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!
