February 17, 2009
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition associated with a number of possible complications. It is a relapsing condition (skin plaques are present) with periods of remission (periods of no skin plaques). Skin plaques are what the psoriasis rash is called by physicians.
The commonest form of this condition, is the chronic plaque disease. This presents as well-defined red scaly plaques generally found over the scalp, lower back, and extensor aspects of the limbs.
There are several types of psoriasis:
• Guttate psoriasis
• Sebopsoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
This condition varies from a mild to severe disease. Despite its severity, it has profound effects on the lives of individuals afflicted with it. For some, it can cause a disability that can be compared to the severity of heart failure. At times, this condition requires hospitalization for management of its symptoms and its associated complications. About 7% of people with psoriasis develop a severe form of arthritis that is often disabling and disfiguring.
Psoriasis has been found at birth, in some individuals. Most people develop the rash in their teens and twenties. Some medical scientists believe that there are two types of psoriasis based on the age of onset of this condition. Type I psoriasis appears before age 40. This type of psoriasis runs in families often and is a more severe form of the condition. Type II psoriasis is seen late in life and does not appear to run in families.
Recent studies indicate that deregulation of the body’s immune system results in psoriasis.
However, despite intensive investigation over the past few decades, the cause and underlying abnormal processes, in the body, associated with this disease remains unknown.
Many environmental factors are known to trigger relapses, including streptococcal infection), HIV, skin trauma, certain medications, alcohol, cigarette smoking and in few people ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
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Filed under Psoriasis by skinmd
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