4 Things You Need To Know About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes red and pink patches to form on the skin. These patches are usually bumpy or raised, have a white, scaly appearance, and are dry to the touch. They are often itchy and cause discomfort. Common areas affected include the scalp, elbows, knees, palms, torso, and the soles of the feet. There are variations of psoriasis, including inverse psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Why the condition occurs is a mystery for dermatologists and health professionals, but generally, psoriasis flares up due to genetic and environmental factors.
Most Common Symptoms Of Psoriasis
The most common symptom of psoriasis is raised patches of pink and white skin that appear scaly and inflamed. The white, scaly parts might be loose and fall off when scratched or rubbed. The area usually feels painful and may crack and bleed when disturbed. Other common symptoms include pitted toenails or fingernails that may continue to change in consistency and colour and even fall off. On the scalp, what first appears to be a dandruff-like substance later turns into large white or pink patches of skin that look scaly and flake. They will also likely be itchy.
Some Common Causes Of Psoriasis
The causes of psoriasis remain a mystery, but researchers believe there are genetic and environmental components involved. In people who are genetically predisposed to develop psoriasis (usually an inherited gene mutation), the skin condition may be set off by any number of environmental stressors or traumas, which are called “flares.”
Flares can include bug bites, scrapes, cuts, bad sunburns, and excessive scratching. Flares are usually some form of skin injury, an infection, and sometimes even HIV. Behavioural flares may include drinking alcohol in excess, smoking, and stress. There are also medications, such as lithium and blood pressure medications, that can cause a flare-up.
Natural Treatments And Ways To Prevent
There are lifestyle changes that can reduce the possibility of a psoriasis flare-up. This mostly involves taking steps to reduce the amount of stress in someone's life. For example, if someone knows that taking a certain route to work might get him or her there faster but is sure to be more stressful, he or she may want to take the longer, less stressful route.
Proactive ways to reduce stress may also include talking to a therapist, attending a yoga class, or taking medication. It is important to take preventive measures to protect against environmental stressors that are avoidable. For example, bundle up in cold weather, wear sunblock in sunny weather, and use bug spray when in mosquito country. Extra weight has also been connected to the severity of psoriasis symptoms. For this reason, eating a healthy diet can also prevent flare-ups.
Talk To Your Doctor About Psoriasis
Currently, psoriasis has no cure, but it can be treated and managed. People who suspect they may have psoriasis can talk to their doctor about their symptoms and skin condition. A dermatologist will also be able to help with diagnosis and treatment options. Once people have been diagnosed with psoriasis, they can work together with their doctor to create a solution for it.
To manage psoriasis, people can keep track of their outbreaks to identify their triggers. Specifically, they can take note of the time when flare-ups occur, the activities performed, foods and medications consumed, and products used. Once people figure out what their triggers are, they can live more comfortably because they know they have more control over their psoriasis.