These psoriasis pictures are typical of a skin psoriasis and scalp psoriasis outbreak. Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease characterized by thick, red eruptions, often covered by silvery scales, either in small patches or over large areas of the body. Psoriasis is fairly common, affecting one to two percent of the population. The condition often first appears between the ages of 15 and 30 years and usually requires lifelong treatment.
Psoriasis is not contagious. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but researchers believe that the condition is related to a malfunction in the process of skin growth and regeneration like skin replacement. With normal skin, old cells are continuously being shed from the epidermis and replaced by new cells formed in the deeper layers. Cells live for about one month before they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the rate of cell growth accelerates. Skin cells may move to the surface and die in as short a time as four or five days. Increased cell growth causes build up that can be extremely dry and irritating. The normal shedding process is usually unnoticeable, but psoriasis can produce very obvious blemishes.
Psoriasis seems to involve a strong hereditary factor, although only one third of its victims can recall having a relative with the disease. There also seems to be some relationship between the condition and a type of arthritis. The incidence of baby eczema is not a predictor of psoriasis later in life.
Once psoriasis develops, outbreaks of the disorder can be triggered in several ways. This particular triggers cause psoriasis “flare”. Injury to the skin, such as cut or burn, may provoke a flare-up, usually 8 to 18 days after the trauma. Seasonal changes may also affect psoriasis, with the disease worsening during winter months. Many patients have greater problems during periods of physical and emotional stress. Infections, particularly upper respiratory tract infections, may aggravate psoriasis. Medications are also triggers to psoriasis flare-ups such as Lithiun, antimalarials, a particular hypertensive drug Inderal, cardiac drug Quinidine, and Indomethacin for arthritis. Although unproven, diet and allergies some people suspect that they trigger psoriasis.
Psoriasis Pictures: Psoriasis is characterized by reddened, raised patches of skin with silvery scales called plaques. These clearly defined plaques appear most commonly on the elbows, knees, trunk and scalp, although the underarm and genital areas may also be involved. Patches on the scalp shed large, silver-white scales at the hairline that resemble severe dandruff. Those patches found in moist areas, such as the underarms, are usually less itchy and less red. All patches may itch. If fingernails are involved, they may be pitted, frayed, thickened, or discolored; in more advanced cases, the nails may be separated from the nail beds.
Usually psoriasis produces no general health problems. Sometimes, however, the disease becomes so severe that chills, painful reddening of the skin, cracking of the skin around the joints, and shedding of large areas of scaled skin result. This condition, called exfoliative psoriasis, may necessitate hospitalization for intensive therapy.
As yet, there is no known cure for psoriasis, and treatment health plans offer only temporary relief from symptoms. Normal cleaning of skin around the affected areas is important to prevent infection. Over-the-counter lotions and creams can cleanse irritated skin and reduce itching as well. These preparations often contain small amounts of coal tar and other ingredients designed to remove scales. If the skin becomes sensitive after application, use of preparations should be discontinued. Many patients find regular and controlled exposure to sunlight helpful. Where sunlight is scarce, a special sunlamp may be used, but only under doctor’s supervision.
Various drugs for psoriasis treatment have recently been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of psoriasis. Cortisone and newer steroids are known to be used for occlusive therapy. Another form of treatment is called PUVA therapy, which combines medication and ultraviolet light treatment to cure psoriasis.