Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects approximately more than a 100 million of the world’s total population. It can affect any person of any age and gender –from infants and babies to senior citizens. It is caused by a fast reproduction of the body’s skin cells that results in the build up both dead and living tissue on the skin surface. Eventually, these become dry patches of red and swelling, and thick scales. Psoriasis can appear almost anywhere on the body like the scalp, abdomen, shoulders, and lower and upper extremities.
There are several types of psoriasis namely: psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and inverse psoriasis. Another type of psoriasis that is a class by itself as it can only affect the palms and soles of the feet termed as palmoplantar psoriasis.
Psoriasis is non-contagious and non-curable, and it is often a chronic condition that lasts for many, many years. It can as quickly appear and disappear at a moments notice and in varying levels of intensities which can seem to worsen now, but may later on seem as improving the next time it appears. Some cases may intensify during the cold winter months, or from being instigated and aggravated by allergic reactions to drugs, foods, drinks, alcohol, tobacco smoke, and even to stress.
What causes psoriasis is still completely unknown. It may stem from one origin or a combination of any factors. At the top of the list is the genetic and environmental factor. The state of the immune system is thought to play an important part in the emergence of psoriasis, as most people who have psoriasis also tend to have other family members stricken by it.
A mild case of psoriasis will generally have symptoms of a few patches of pink or reddish raised or flattened bumps in varying degrees of dryness on the affected part of the body. In moderate and severe forms, the skin will have the appearance of larger and thicker plaques of raised bumps that are inflamed, swelling with many patches of silvery drying scales. All cases of psoriasis have all one thing in common: the constant and terrible itching that seems to have no end. Rubbing or scratching the affected parts will only causes the condition to worsen and spread it further to various parts of the body. People who have allergic tendencies are typically advised to look at a psoriasis natural treatment beyond traditional treatments in order to avoid the issue of side effects.
To get prompt relief from all the maddening symptoms of psoriasis, many doctors recommend the application of a topical psoriasis cream in conjunction with additional treatment methods as the condition requires.