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Medical
Dermatology - Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic
disease of the immune system
that appears on the skin,
usually in the form of thick,
red, scaly patches. Up to 30
percent of people with psoriasis
also develop psoriatic
arthritis. Psoriasis is
associated with other serious
conditions such as diabetes,
heart disease and obesity.
According to the National
Institutes of Health, as many as
7.5 million Americans have
psoriasis.
There are five types of
psoriasis:
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plaque
-
guttate
-
inverse
-
pustular
-
erythrodermic
The most common form, plaque
psoriasis, appears as raised,
red patches or lesions covered
with a silvery white buildup of
dead skin cells, called scale.
Psoriasis can occur on any part
of the body and is associated
with other serious health
conditions, such as diabetes,
heart disease and depression.
No one knows exactly what
causes psoriasis. However, it
is understood that the immune
system and genetics play major
roles in its development. Most
researchers agree that the
immune system is somehow
mistakenly triggered, which
causes a series of events,
including acceleration of skin
cell growth. A normal skin cell
matures and falls off the body
in 28 to 30 days. A skin cell
in a patient with psoriasis
takes only 3 to 4 days to
mature and instead of falling
off (shedding), the cells pile
up on the surface of the skin,
forming psoriasis lesions.
Psoriasis triggers
Psoriasis triggers are not
universal. What may cause one
person’s psoriasis to become
active, may not affect another.
Established psoriasis triggers
include:
-
Stress
-
Injury to skin
-
Medications
Although scientifically
unproven, some people with
psoriasis suspect that
allergies, diet and weather
trigger their psoriasis. Strep
infection is known to trigger
guttate psoriasis.
A combination of dry air,
decreased sunlight exposure,
and colder temperatures can all
contribute to winter psoriasis
flares. Frequent moisturizing
and use of a home humidifier
can help alleviate some of the
symptoms. Discuss with your
doctor possible treatments to
control your psoriasis in the
winter.
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