What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder which affects skin and joints. It could occur due to genetic reasons. It is a chronic disease and can reoccur. Its degree of severity varies form small red patches to covering the entire body. This non contagious disease causes severe itching of the skin and discomfiture. In advanced stages it may even lead to bleeding and pain.

Types of Psoriasis

1. Plaque Psoriasis: In this type of Psoriasis lesions with silvery scales or red patches occur over the body. The red patches protrude above the skin. Up to 80% of Psoriasis patients are found to have Plaque Psoriasis. It usually affects the elbows and knees but may affect the genitals and the scalp.

2. Inverse Psoriasis: This affects the armpits, the groin and areas with folded skin.

3. Guttate Psoriasis: Small red spots are formed on the skin.

4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This causes large red patches over the skin. The patches are painful and cause severe itching. This type of Psoriasis can be fatal also.

5. Pustular Psoriasis: In this type white blisters occur. These blisters are surrounded by red colored skin.

Modern research has shown Psoriasis affects persons between 15 to 35 years of age. Normally it occurs before the age of 40 but may happen after 40 years in rare cases.

Treatment of Psoriasis

Not one singular treatment exists for Psoriasis. It has to be customized to the needs of the patients. The treatment involves controlling the spread of the disease and reducing it. Certain types of treatment are:

1. Topical treatment: In this type of treatment local agents are used to soothe the skin. Creams are applied on the affected portions.

2. Phototherapy: In this type of treatment, skin is exposed to Ultra Violet rays of different wavelength. The ultra violet rays clear the disease. When taken under proper medical supervision and in combination with topical treatment this can give the best effects.

3. Systemic Medications: This treatment involves use of injections and drugs. Psoriasis patients who cannot be given Topical treatment or Phototherapy should be given this treatment.

4. Alternative approaches: Alternative approaches available incclude bath salts, Neem Oil, Herbology, Herbology, Climatotherapy, and Epsom salts to treat Psoriasis.

Research associated with Psoriasis:

Research in treatment of Psoriasis is an ongoing process. It concentrates on drugs which affect the immune system. Researchers tend to agree that Psoriasis is caused when the immune system produces additional cells in an over reaction. Genes related to cause of Psoriasis have also been identified. In persons with a history of Psoriasis these genes have demonstrated the reaction of the immune system. Pharmacy School at Sunderland University has also conducted some studies. They show that some substances produced by cotton plants can assist to treat Psoriasis. There is a continuous thrust in research to improve the quality of life experienced by Patients of Psoriasis.

Although Psoriasis has no perfect cure its symptoms can be controlled. It is beneficial to control the symptoms to keep the disease in check in the patient's lifetime.