Pspriasis affects 7.5 million Americans. This chronic, but non-contagious disease affects the skin when the body’s immune system sends incorrect signals to trigger the growth of skin cells. It can happen on any part of the body – there are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. But plaque is the most common. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by red bumps or legions covered with a silver-colored collection of dead skill cells, known as scales that appear on the skin. People who have psoriasis also tend to suffer from other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Although researchers are unsure as to why psoriasis occurs, they are certain that it is linked to genetics and the immune system. In general, people who suffer from psoriasis have some of the genes that cause the disease and have experienced stress, suffered from skin injury, or taken a medication that might trigger the disease.
Psoriasis is a lifelong problem, and there is no cure for it as such at the moment. But there are various treatments which help greatly in curing the symptoms. It can be quite frustrating for someone who is suffering from psoriasis as it definitely affects ones appearance. And since there is no possible cure, it becomes a problem that the patient has to deal with all their life.
Even though this disease can affect the entire body, generally people suffering from it see patches appear on localized places such as their elbows, neck, hands etc, which can be treated with topical medication such a creams and medicated ointments.
Salicylic acid can be used to treat psoriasis. It is a medically approved drug to treat it. Salicylic acid is a keratoolytic, a substance that causes the outer layer of skin to peel away. Salicylic acid causes scales to soften and fall away more easily. But one should be careful that too much of the acid is not used as that could be harmful.
Showering, swimming or just soaking in the tub could help as well, the dry skin will get wet and soak water and this would be of some relief to the patient.
Using humidifier would also give relief as dry indoor air relates to dry skin.
Coal tar is another Federal Drug Administration approved agent for the treatment of mild psoriasis. This is a treatment comes from tar and wood. This works as the coal slows down the growth of skin cells and thus improving the skin`s appearance in the affected area.
The simplest and cheapest treatment would be to step out and soak in some sunlight. Start with maybe 10 minutes out in the sun and slowly increase the time in the coming days. Sun exposure helps in the improvement of psoriasis.
There are also different types of lamps, such as UV lamps which help treat psoriasis, such as Dermalight 80 UV-B Phototherapy Lamp and DermaHealer UV-B Phototherapy Lamp for Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Eczema which is available at Favoriteplus.com
Although a complete cure for psoriasis hasn`t been found, many steps can be taken in order to reduce its symptoms and make the patient`s life a little more easy. A combination of medicated creams and natural treatments show improvement, especially in the way the skin appears. Through these little things psoriasis can be controlled if not cured.
Other articles you may find useful:
- Dermalight 80 UV-B Phototherapy Lamp for Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Eczema
- How To Control Psoriasis
- Interesting facts about psoriasis
- How does light therapy work for psoriasis?
- Treatment for Psoriasis
- Causes of Psoriasis
- How do I treat scalp psoriasis