Plaque-type psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is commonly referred to as psoriasis vulgaris (Camisa 56). Plaque-type psoriasis is characterized by inflamed skin lesions topped with silvery white scales. This type of psoriasis can assume many different appearances based on its location, the activity of the disease, and the treatment being administered. Plaque-type psoriasis is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, sacrum, umbilicus, intergluteal cleft, and genitalia (Camisa 56).
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small dot-like lesions. Guttate psoriasis is the most common cause of psoriasis in children and young adults who have a prior history of upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis (Camisa 64). The lesions are not as scaly as plaque-type psoriasis and are likely to be found on the trunk and involve the face (Camisa 64).
Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pustules, which are blister-like lesions of non-infectious fluid, and cause intense scaling. Individuals with pustular psoriasis are often among the most seriously ill and may have to be hospitalized (Camisa 67).
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the rarest form of psoriasis and is characterized by intense redness and swelling, exfoliation of dead skin, and pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis usually develops during the course of chronic psoriasis. However, in some cases erythrodermic psoriasis is the first manifestation of psoriasis, even in children (Camisa 74). Individuals with this type of psoriasis may experience chills and low grade fever, and may be rather uncomfortable (Camisa 75).
Inverse psoriasis is characterized by smooth inflamed lesions in the body folds -- armpits, under the breast, skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and genitals.
Koebner's Phenomenon psoriasis are psoriatic lesions which appear at the site of injury, infection or other skin psoriasis, or may be a new lesion in an existing case.
The degree of psoriasis can also vary from individual to individual. It ranges in severity from mild (affects less than 2% of body) to moderate (affects 2-10% of body) to severe (affects greater than 10% of the body). Skin injury and irritation, sun exposure, diet, stress and anxiety, medications, and infections have been known to make psoriasis worse.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
THE PSORIASIS PICTURE
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting over 6 million people in the United States alone(National Psoriasis Foundation).
In the clinical picture, psoriasis can trace its cause to a hyper proliferation of the epidermis, concomitant inflammation, and vascular changes, which occur based on combined genetic and environmental factors (Camisa 7).
Psoriasis occurs equally in men and women and is rarely life threatening (Whitman and McGibbon).
Psoriasis generally begins between the ages of 15 and 35, but it is possible for it to occur very early or very late in life (National Psoriasis Foundation).
A general picture of psoriasis can encompass different stages. Some people may experience limited psoriasis while others may experience more widespread psoriasis (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Psoriasis is characterized by silvery-white scaly patches of various size seen most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp (Hall 127). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells mature at an accelerated rate (Nicksin). On a normal basis, skin cells grow, mature, and shed about once a month. Skin cells of a person with psoriasis grow nearly seven times faster and build up at the skin's surface resulting in red, raised, scaly patches and lesions (Nicksin).
Although some sufferers complain of itching, it is not very common in the psoriasis picture. Only 30% of people with psoriasis complain of itching (Hall 132). Development of psoriasis is caused by genetic factors (Mackie 36).
While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, in isolating the cause, you can effect a treatment control of your psoriasis. Lifestyle changes are part of the the whole treatment picture. Controlling the cause can be its own cure!
In the clinical picture, psoriasis can trace its cause to a hyper proliferation of the epidermis, concomitant inflammation, and vascular changes, which occur based on combined genetic and environmental factors (Camisa 7).
Psoriasis occurs equally in men and women and is rarely life threatening (Whitman and McGibbon).
Psoriasis generally begins between the ages of 15 and 35, but it is possible for it to occur very early or very late in life (National Psoriasis Foundation).
A general picture of psoriasis can encompass different stages. Some people may experience limited psoriasis while others may experience more widespread psoriasis (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Psoriasis is characterized by silvery-white scaly patches of various size seen most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp (Hall 127). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells mature at an accelerated rate (Nicksin). On a normal basis, skin cells grow, mature, and shed about once a month. Skin cells of a person with psoriasis grow nearly seven times faster and build up at the skin's surface resulting in red, raised, scaly patches and lesions (Nicksin).
Although some sufferers complain of itching, it is not very common in the psoriasis picture. Only 30% of people with psoriasis complain of itching (Hall 132). Development of psoriasis is caused by genetic factors (Mackie 36).
While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, in isolating the cause, you can effect a treatment control of your psoriasis. Lifestyle changes are part of the the whole treatment picture. Controlling the cause can be its own cure!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)