Psoriasis- An itchy skin problem

Psoriasis is a non contagious common condition of the skin that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. There are five types, each with unique signs and symptoms. As mentioned on psoriasis.org, Psoriasis affects an estimated 2-3 percent of the world's population and 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, according to the World Psoriasis Day consortium.

Between 10-30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called "psoriatic arthritis," which causes inflammation of the joints. Arthritis may be associated with your psoriasis. The scalp, elbows, knees and lower back are commonly affected, but the face is usually not.

Types of Psoriasis:

Psoriasis vulgaris: About 80% of people with psoriasis have this type, making it the most common. It is also called plaque psoriasis because of the characteristic plaques on the skin. The flaky silvery white buildup on top of the plaques is called scale; it is composed of dead skin cells. Skin affected with psoriasis is generally very dry, and other possible symptoms include skin pain, itching and cracking.

Guttate psoriasis (small, drop like spots): A type of psoriasis characterized by red, scaly patches of inflamed skin on all parts of the body. It is associated with a lung infection in many cases.

Inverse psoriasis (in the folds like of the underarms, navel, and buttocks): Also called flexural psoriasis, a form of psoriasis found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in other flexion creases (skin folds) such as those around the genitals and buttocks. Inverse psoriasis is more frequent and severe in people who are overweight because it is in the skin folds where it is particularly prone to irritation from rubbing and sweating.

Pustular psoriasis (liquid-filled yellowish small blisters): A type of recurring psoriasis characterized by the appearance of pus-filed pimples and sores in clusters. It can be intensely painful, and hospitalization may be required.

Causes: The exact cause remains unknown. Real cause of psoriasis is still a mystery.

Combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Genes can cause psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes.
Approximately one-third of people who develop psoriasis have at least one family member with the condition.
The immune system is thought to play a major role.
Research shows that the signs and symptoms of psoriasis usually appear between 15 and 35 years of age.

Symptoms:

Psoriasis typically looks like red or pink areas of thickened, raised, and dry skin.
It tends to be more common in areas of trauma, repeat rubbing, use, or abrasions.
Psoriasis has many different appearances. It may be small flattened bumps, large thick plaques of raised skin, red patches, and pink mildly dry skin to big flakes of dry skin that flake off.
On the nails, it can look like very small pits (pinpoint depressions or white spots on the nail) or as larger yellowish-brown separations of the nail bed called "oil spots." Nail psoriasis may be confused with and incorrectly diagnosed as a fungal nail infection.
On the scalp, it may look like severe dandruff with dry flakes and red areas of skin.

Treatment: Many kinds of physicians may treat psoriasis, including dermatologists and family physicians.

Topical Therapy:

Emollients (moisturizers) help soften scales and reduce discomfort
Steroid creams and ointments help reduce inflammation. They range in strength from very potent to mild. (See below)
Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid for treating mild to moderate plaque psoriasis
Anthralin or other coal tar preparations help to slow skin cell reproduction
Vitamin D3 or calcipotriene (brand name Dovonex)
Bath solutions, such as mineral salts or oatmeal additives, assist in soothing skin and encouraging healing.

Phototherapy:

Ultraviolet Light B (UVB), either outdoors or from a light box in a physician's office, helps to heal lesions.

Psoralen and Ultraviolet Light A (PUVA) - involves the combined use of a photosensitizing medication, called psoralen and a long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA).
Excimer lasers may be used to treat a small, localized area of psoriasis. They are a way to deliver UVB light directly to the psoriasis without exposing normal skin.

Internal Medications: Oral medications include acitretin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and others. Oral prednisone (corticosteroid) is generally not used in psoriasis and may cause a disease flare if administered to many patients.

Home Care:

Keep skin lubricated. Oils, creams and petroleum jelly preparations are suggested.
Use a humidifier in the home.
Get out in the sun. Be careful not to burn. Exposing only the areas of your body with active psoriasis may be optimal.
Bathing in hot water may help reduce scaling.
Use mild soaps or soap-free cleaners. Mild soaps such as Nivea Cream, Neutrogena Dry Skin, Dove, or Lever 2000 are recommended.
Minimize stress.
Protect against skin injuries and skin infections.

Normally, skin cells mature and shed after about a month. In psoriasis, the cell maturation speeds up, taking only three to four days. In case it doesn't heal within few days you must contact your skin doctor before the condition gets worse. So always if you are not sure see a health care professional.

(Sources: healthscout.com, skincarephysicians.com, medicinenet.com, psoriasis.org/about/psoriasis/)