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 takes about a month and is called cell turnover.
Almost anyone can get psoriasis, but mostly it occurs in adults. The cause of it has not been established yet, but it is believe that it is due to a genetic predisposition. Some genes have been linked to this disease. Men and women get it at the same rate. Some believe that stress can also trigger psoriasis specially if there exists a genetic predisposition, along with certain type of strong medicines, changes in weather and infections.
It has been seen that psoriasis can be difficult to diagnose as it looks as any skin disease. To be certain, dermatologists need to look at a skin sample under a microscope.
Psoriasis can affect the skin on any part of the body. But most often it happens on elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. Sometimes patients might even get it on their fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth. Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore.
Scalp Psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis and it can affect the entire scalp and sometimes even go till the neck, and the fore head. Scalp psoriasis can be mild and unnoticeable but in some cases it can be quite severe as well. The urge to itch can result in the loss of sleep, and also hair fall. This in turn would cause stress to the patient which would just make the psoriasis worse. It is more probable for a patient to develop this if scalp psoriasis runs in the family. Symptoms of scalp psoriasis are dry scalp, itching, dandruff like flaking and hair loss.
Although there has not been a cure for psoriasis till now, topical creams and oils are known to help control the disease. Patients are advised to use medicated ointments on the area affected, and they are also told to not take on stress. The application of coal tar is frequently suggested. Patients are also warned that they should not itch the affected areas as that would result in wounds, which would make the condition worse. They are instead told to just pat the area, where they feel the urge to itch.
Psoriasis is a frustrating disease as it affects the patient’s appearance and as there is no cure for it, sometimes seems to be uncontrollable. But patients should keep a positive attitude and try and not let the disease take over their lives.
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