What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.Psoriasis is a persistent, long-lasting (chronic) disease.This is characterized by thickening of the skin, well-demarcated elevated margins and scales.
Causes:
The cause remains unknown. However, the factors that play a role :
- Emotional stress: Many people see an increase in their psoriasis when emotional stress is increased.
- Smoking: Cigarette smokers have an increased risk of chronic plaque psoriasis.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is considered a high risk factor for psoriasis, particularly in young to middle-aged males.
- Hormonal changes: The severity of psoriasis may fluctuate with hormonal changes. Disease frequency peaks during puberty and menopause.
- Injury to the skin
- Those with a family history of psoriasis have an increased chance of having the disease. Some people carry genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis.The factors that trigger the pathology are trauma, infections, sunlight, drugs like anti malarial and steroids. Stress & anxiety can trigger an acute exacerbation.
Symptoms:
- Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
- Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
- Swollen and stiff joints
