Skin Health
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or the joints. It affects more than 4.5 million people in the United States. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, patches of skin called "lesions" become inflamed and are covered by silvery white scale. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however, for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild.
Q: Who gets Psoriasis?
A: Theoretically, anyone can get psoriasis, male or female, regardless of age or ethnicity. Early onset of the disease is seen primarily in 16-22 year olds and late onset primarily in 50-60 year olds.
Q: How many people have psoriasis?
A: An estimated 2% of the population has psoriasis of one form or another...and that number is growing annually.
Q: What causes psoriasis?
A: There are multiple theories being tested as to the primary cause of psoriasis, however, the underlying problem is that something triggers the skin to produce new skin cells more quickly than old skin cells have the chance to die and be scrubbed away. The result is raised red patches, swollen lesions, and itchy, scaly skin.
Many people believe that the problem is due to a faulty immune system. Others think that genetic anomalies cause the problem. Others still believe that microcalcifiations in the dermal strata are to blame.
Q: Is Psoriasis contagious?
A: NO, psoriasis is not contagious. The open lesions or sores may look scary, but the disease is not transferable.
Q: How do I find out if I have psoriasis?
A: There is not "test" currently to diagnose the disease. Typically, your doctor or other health care provided makes the diagnosis upon examination.
Q: Is there a cure for psoriasis?
A: Presently, there is no cure. But there are many treatments that help alleviate the symptoms of the disease, both topical (on the skin) and systemic (throughout the body), that work to clear the lesions. Dermalleve should be considered as a topical treatment.
Q: Why does my psoriasis itch, and how do I control the itching?
A: The itch is due to chemical signaling that occurs just below the skins surface. One of the simplest ways for people with psoriasis to control itch is by keeping the skin moisturized. Dry skin can induce and aggravate itch. Many people also rely on simple, inexpensive measures, such as pressing a wet towel against the itchy spot. Others find cold showers and cold packs offer relief. Other treatments for itch include steroids, capsaicin, topical anesthetics, topical immunomodulators, antidepressants and aspirin.
Psoriasis Links
1. National Psoriasis Foundation
http://www.psoriasis.org
2. American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
3. American Skin Association National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIAMS)
http://www.niams.nih.gov
4. Health Talk
http://www.healthtalk.com/psoriasis/
5. The Psoriasis Society of Canada
http://www.psoriasissociety.org
6. The Psoriasis Association - United Kingdom
http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/