PSORIASIS...that's not any rash !!!
The persistence nature of psoriasis makes it challenging to manage .Here's how to cope.
Psoriasis is an immunologically mediated condition largely seen in genetically pre-
disposed individuals. It's not an auto-
immume disease where the immune system targets the entire body.Here the
immune system is responsible for targeting
some parts of the skin because in those areas ,the skin .It's important to understand that this is not a skin disease.It is perceived to be so as its manifestations are mainly on the skin....it also manifests on the tendons and joints.
tion has psoriasis.In certain communities
like Eskimos, it's very rare as they don't
cross breed and their community doesn't
have genes that cause psoriasis. But 4-9%
of the population in Scandinavian countries
suffers from this condition .In India it affects 2-3% of the population.
In psoriasis, pathogens T cells are activated, thereby releasing chemicals that cause the
inflammation and lead to an abnormal growth and cause the swelling of the blood
vessels underneath.When these T cells are activated, they behave like they are fighting
a wound and in turn release a lot of chemical signals which aggravates the skin.
Thus the skin builds up a plaque of psoriasis.
cardovascular diseases. Factors like stress,
high blood pressure, extreme cold temperature and trauma phenomenon attribute to this condition.People suffering from metabolic syndrome (obesity...hypertension...insulin resistence)
are at a higher risk of this disease because of the presence of similar pro-inflammatory mediators.
TYPES OF PSORIASES:
1) PLAQUE PSORIASIS.....
The most common form of this condition
manifests as red patched covered with a
silvery white build-up of dead skin cells.
This condition is very itchy and the scales may even crack and bleed.
2) GUTTATE PSORIASES:
This manifests as small red lesions on the skin.....mostly seen in children and is caused due to a respiratory or throat infection.It is mostly seen on the palms and soles.
3) INVERSE PSORIASIS:
This manifests as red lesions mainly in the skin folds like groin and armpits where there is a lot of friction.
UPTO 20% OF THE PEOPLE DEVELOP PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS. IT CAN EITHER AFFECT THE TOES OR APPEAR ON THE HEELS.IT CAN ALSO AFFECT MAJOR JOINTS OF THE SHOULDERS, KNEES OR THE SPINE.IF THE JOINTS BECOME SWOLLEN , RED AND TENDER AND ARE NOT TREATED ADEQUATELY, IT CAN LEAD TO PERMANENT IMMOBILITY.
TREATMENT.......
Treatmemt is available in various forms...
Oral therapy , steroids, topical applications,
Emolients and injectables (these act on on the chemicals released by the T cells.For mild cases topical steroids complemented with moisturisers and antihistamines are effective....NEVER BE YOUR OWN DOCTOR!!
TREATMENT MUST BE DONE BY CONSULTING A DOCTOR...STEROIDS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME...
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO COMBAT THIS ITCHY DISEASE..FOLLOW THE DIET RECOMMENDED FOR YOU.
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PSORIASES SUFFERERS GUIDE:
Moisturise your skin regularly to
ensure that the skin does not become dry.
Apply coconut oil...glycerine and liquid paraffin oil to prevent the skin from losing it's moisture.
Those who have lesions on their palms and soles must wear gloves and socks.
Eat healthy and consume lots of fish oil...omega 3 fatty acids and walnuts.
Avoid smoking and alcahol as these can lead to inflammation of the lesions.
Always use mild soaps...
Do not bathe with hot water.This will translate into loss of body moisture
Do not self medicate.Take no steroids without a prescription.
Obesity can worsen your situation..so avoid rich calorie laden food.
Do not worry or panic....EVERY PROBLEM HAS A SOLUTION.....DO NOT NEGLECT ANY HEALTH PROBLEM.....It is well said.."A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.!!"
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