The Guttate Psoriasis Picture

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small dot-like lesions. It is most common 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).

The Lifelong Picture of Psoriasis

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).

The Psoriasis T-Cell Connection

There are many beliefs as to what causes psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which in turn causes 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 causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression (Kligman 729).

A General Picture of Psoriasis Facts and Figures

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting approximately 4.5 million people in the United States.New skin cells grow too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, swollen, scaly patches of skin in areas where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.Psoriasis can be limited to a few spots or can involve more extensive areas of the body, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, and there currently is no cure.Psoriasis can strike people at any age, but the average age of onset is approximately 28 years. Likewise, it affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis are estimated to have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease.Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful condition. It often results in physical limitations, disfiguration and a significant burden in managing the daily care of the disease.Psoriasis sufferers may feel embarrassed, angry, frustrated, fearful, depressed and, in some cases, even suicidal.

The Signs And Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

When psoriasis and arthritis occur together, it is known as psoriatic arthritis. (Arthritis is not a single disorder but rather the name for joint disease from a number of causes. Arthritic disease causes painful inflammation of one or several joints, with the inflammation destroying the cartilage in the joints.) The most easily recognizable form of psoriatic arthritis affects the joints of the fingers and toes. Psoriatic arthritis is usually less painful than rheumatoid arthritis. It also usually causes less disability.Psoriatic arthritis generally affects the fingers and toes, but it can involve the wrists, lower back, knees and ankles. Psoriatic arthritis can be a serious disease, with a large percentage of patients reporting that their symptoms limit their work or home activities.Psoriatic arthritis usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50. Its symptoms usually include at least one of the following:
Pain in one or more joints
Movement that is restricted by pain in the joint or surrounding areas
Morning stiffness
Eye pain or redness
Because there is no laboratory test for psoriatic arthritis, people with psoriasis and joint pain may want to consult a specialist in joint diseases, called a rheumatologist, to evaluate their symptoms. Other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Reiter’s syndrome all may be confused with psoriatic arthritis.

The Broader Picture of Psoriasis

It is currently believed (although not statistically proven) that Psoriasis affects around 2 percent of the worlds population. In the United States it is estimated that around 7 million people suffer from one form or another of Psoriasis. In the United Kingdom, it is believed that around 1.2 million people suffer from this depressive and resistant disease. This figure is similarly reflected in many countries around the world.With all forms of Psoriasis there appears to be a significant link between the disease and the sufferers mental wellness. Due to the nature of the disease and how it acts, sufferers often experience an elelment of depression, increased anxiety and stress levels. This in turn then causes the Psoriasis to increase, thus increasing the levels of stress and anxiety which in turn then may make the Psoriasis even worse. In this way the Psoriasis can caused tremendous continued emotional upset for the sufferer.Thankfully the issue of mental health of the sufferer is beginning to be addressed by the medical professions around the world.

Historical References to Psoriasis

Psoriasis has been around since the days of Greek mythology, more than 2,500 years ago. It was considered a curse from the gods.The Bible refers to psoriasis but mistakenly calls it leprosy. For hundreds of years, people with the disease were ostracized and forced to wander as homeless beggars. Some had to wear warning bells so others could avoid their paths. Some suffered the same fate as lepers, who were burned at the stake in the 14th century."Amazingly, psoriasis was a disease that had been misunderstood for more than 2,000 years before it was clearly defined (in the early 1800s) and named what we know it as today."