Deciphering Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a recurrent but a non- transmittable skin infection. Causes of psoriasis have not yet been identified. Some people may not have visible symptoms of psoriasis while others develop red skin rashes. This red flaking skin is called psoriatic plaque. Psoriatic plaque is the area of the skin where there is inflammation and excess skin production. The skin tends to gather in these patches and becomes silvery in color. Plaques are usually found on the knees, elbows and any part of the body such as the genitals, soles, palms, scalp and joints.



Psoriasis is a long-lasting and a chronic skin disease. The range of this ailment varies depending on the individual. In psoriatic nail dystrophy the nails of the feet and hands are affected by psoriasis. Some joints of the body will swell causing psoriatic arthritis. Among the population that have psoriasis, 10-15% have psoriatic arthritis.



People with dry skin are easily affected with Psoriasis than people with suitably moisturized or oily skin. Psoriasis may also occur in a scratchy skin post any injury on the skin like a cut or a scratch. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Dry skin is the effect of having been deprived of the oil that guards any infections from harming the skin. As a result people with dry skins are more prone to psoriasis as the infecting microbe can easily grow in dry skin conditions.



Athlete's foot and Psoriasis are two different things. It is caused due to dry skin conditions whereas athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives on wet skin conditions. Unlike eczema it is generally found on the outer surface of the joints. On the other hand, Psoriasis has infective microbes which results in swelling, rashes and having a scratchy skin. This causes the skin to dry even further as the microbe takes in the moisture of the skin leaving it drier than before.



If you wish to prevent psoriasis you should avoid the usage of shower scrubs. Scratches and the loss of natural skin oils are caused by the use of shower scrubs. You can use talcum powder after a bath. Fungal infection can be avoided because talc soaks up extra moisture on skin. The skin needs moisturizers to keep the skins oil glands functioning, keeping the body free from infection.



Although we are very clear about the definition of psoriasis, its causes are not yet clear. The cause may be from a previous injury or hereditary. Psoriasis can be worsened by smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid. A number of medications are readily available for psoriasis but it is difficult to eradicate due to its persistence.