There are many beliefs as to the cause of psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which will in turn cause the skin lesions (National Psoriasis Foundation). Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease (Camisa 55). Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system may cause abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences are thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression (Kligman 729).
Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. An individual instead, has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress. Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet (National Psoriasis Foundation).
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Picture of Psoriasis Awareness
Fashion designer Maria Grachvogel has attracted fame for her stunning designs, and also for launching Victoria Beckham on to the catwalk.
She works exclusively on people's images but, until now, she has never spoken about a condition which has damaged the self-images of many sufferers.
The 35-year-old is one of the 1.2 million people in the UK who suffer from psoriasis - a chronic, genetic, non-contagious skin disorder, which can affect any part of the body.
The scalp, hands, elbows, feet and nails are often affected with thick red patches of skin covered in itchy whitish scales.
Maria suffers from it on her scalp and believes it is triggered by stress.
Now she is backing a new nationwide campaign, Beautiful Me, to make spas and beauty salons more welcoming to those with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
"I became conscious of it when I was around 12," she says. "It looks like severe dandruff and it's very itchy. I was finally diagnosed at 14 and have had it ever since.
"I am just lucky that mine is not particularly noticeable."
She avoids hairsprays and rarely blow-dries her hair because heat makes it worse.
In common with many sufferers, she finds the condition sometimes disappears, only to return and flare up again.
"Education about skin problems is crucial but especially for psoriasis because there's less awareness of it," she maintains.
"People see a skin condition and don't know what to make of it, so they're naturally fearful. I hope the Beautiful Me campaign will help sufferers be more accepted into the mainstream community and the world of beauty, which will boost their morale."
She works exclusively on people's images but, until now, she has never spoken about a condition which has damaged the self-images of many sufferers.
The 35-year-old is one of the 1.2 million people in the UK who suffer from psoriasis - a chronic, genetic, non-contagious skin disorder, which can affect any part of the body.
The scalp, hands, elbows, feet and nails are often affected with thick red patches of skin covered in itchy whitish scales.
Maria suffers from it on her scalp and believes it is triggered by stress.
Now she is backing a new nationwide campaign, Beautiful Me, to make spas and beauty salons more welcoming to those with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
"I became conscious of it when I was around 12," she says. "It looks like severe dandruff and it's very itchy. I was finally diagnosed at 14 and have had it ever since.
"I am just lucky that mine is not particularly noticeable."
She avoids hairsprays and rarely blow-dries her hair because heat makes it worse.
In common with many sufferers, she finds the condition sometimes disappears, only to return and flare up again.
"Education about skin problems is crucial but especially for psoriasis because there's less awareness of it," she maintains.
"People see a skin condition and don't know what to make of it, so they're naturally fearful. I hope the Beautiful Me campaign will help sufferers be more accepted into the mainstream community and the world of beauty, which will boost their morale."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)