FAST FACTS ON PSORIASIS

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain, swelling, heat, and redness). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.

Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth.

• ·         Who gets Psoriasis?
• ·         What  causes Psoriasis?
• ·         How is Psoriasis diagnosed?
• ·         How is Psoriasis treated?

 

Who Gets Psoriasis?

Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults. In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. Men and women get psoriasis at about the same rate.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis begins in the immune system, mainly with a type of white blood cell called a T cell. T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake. They become so active that they set off other immune responses. This leads to swelling and fast turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis may notice that sometimes the skin gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Things that can cause the skin to get worse include:

• ·         Infections
• ·         Stress
• ·         Changes in weather that dry the skin
• ·         Certain medicines.

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. The doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

How Is Psoriasis Treated?

Treatment depends on:

• ·         How serious the disease is
• ·         The size of the psoriasis patches
• ·         The type of psoriasis
• ·         How the patient reacts to certain treatments.

For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.