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PsoriasisPronounced: Sor-eye-ah-sisPsoriasis is a chronic (long term) skin disorder for which there is no known medically proven cure. The name of the disease originates from the Greek Psora which means to to itch and is classed as a non-contagious skin disease. There are various different forms of Psoriasis, each with their own particular symptoms, physical manifestations and methods of treatment. 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. It is this particular area that The SkinCell Forum has proven to be so successful by offering all sufferers an outlet to be able to gain direct support from other sufferers who have shared the experience. Top of Page Main types of Psoriasis
What Causes Psoriasis?Whilst it is commonly believed that there is a genetic trait that causes one person to be more likely to be affected by Psoriasis, many people can live out their lives either blissfully unaware that they have the disease or have symptoms that appear so minor that they never discover that they have Psoriasis.There are a number of potential triggers that may cause a person with the trait to suffer a "flare-up" or sudden increase in the number or size of of areas of skin affected by the disease. These triggering factors may range from throat infections caused by the bacteria, Group A Streptococci (commonly referred to as Strep Throat), an inverse reaction to certain drugs, damage to the skin (Koebner Effect) or by the introduction of increased stress levels. The inflamed and flaked skin associated with Psoriasis is often accompanied by a severe itching sensation that may cause sufferers to scratch so vigorously that they draw blood. For the benefit of non-sufferers, the intensity of the itching has been described as; "Like being immersed in a bath full of fleas". Top of Page Where does it appear on the body?Psoriasis can commonly be found in the areas of the elbow, knees, scalp or torso although it seems that certain types of Psoriasis prefer certain regions of the body. For example, Pustular Psoriasis is commonly found on the hands and feet, Inverse or Flexural Psoriasis often appears in fold of the skin around the genitals, buttocks, armpits and under the breasts, while Guttate and Plaque Psoriasis have a habit of appearing anywhere on the body. The silvery flakes or plaques are not caused by any external or infectious material. It is caused by the affected patch of skin regenerating like normal skin would do, only at a greatly accelerated rate (possibly a months growth in just a few days). It is this accelerated regeneration of skin that causes the plaques to form. Treatments.Treatments for Psoriasis are numerous and may include the use of steroids, drugs that suppress the immune system, phototherapy, topical creams and ointments or even natural sunlight. Despite the claims made by some less responsible businesses, there is NO CURE for the disease. The best that can be hoped for is a period of remission, when the disease calms down and reduces in size or intensity. In addition to these 'Western' forms of treatment there are many other cultures who profess to be able to offer relief from Psoriasis including the use of shark body parts or a whole array of herbal medications and solutions. Unfortunately, no one method gives relief to all sufferers. Psoriasis is renowned as being the most fickle of skin diseases. A treatment that gives excellent results for one patient may have little or no effect on another. This in turn can lead to frustration for the sufferer, having to steadily work through any number of options until they find a specific treatment that works well for them. Forum Snippit. Click to read more. I noticed that when I suffer a flare I get flaky. I guess that applies to many of us Psoriasis members. Then I noticed that if I try peeling or scraping off the plaques, especially for my facial psoriasis, the flare takes a lot longer to fade and there have been times when it just has not eased off at all. Yet, there have been times when I have made the conscious decision not to peel or scratch off the flakes and even though it may look hideously crusty I just let the flakes fall naturally or with the least amount of encouragement. Now in my experience I have found that allowing the flakes to form and fall off on their own has quite dramatically eased the effect of the flare-up. The flare does not seem to last as long. Scalp psoriasis seems to act the same way for me. If I forget myself I can suddenly find that I have been having a really good dig at the plaques on my scalp without even realising it. The next thing I know is that the scalp Psoriasis has taken a hold again and seems to get worse the more I scratch and dig. Top of page Plaque Psoriasis - Psoriasis Vulgaris 
For information about plaque psoriasis please go to our Plaque Psoriasis page. Pustular Psoriasis
For information about pustular psoriasis please go to our Pustular Psoriasis page. Top of page Arthritic Psoriasis or Psoriatic ArthritisMany people mistakenly believe that Psoriasis is purely a skin condition. Unfortunately there is also a form of Arthritis directly related to Psoriasis known as Arthritic Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic Arthritis, or PA as it may be referred to in the forum, can cause intense pain and inflammation of the joints just like regular arthritis. The exact cause, like Psoriasis itself is unknown but it is believed that the causes of Psoriatic Arthritis may be due to disruption to the bodys immune system or an imbalance in genetics. Approximately 10 percent of Psoriasis sufferers also become affected by Psoriatic Arthritis and age does not seem to be a contributing factor which means that sufferers of any age may contract the disease. The forms of treatment available for sufferers will often depend on the severity of flare and may initially include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but if this fails to work then stronger drugs like Methotrexate or Etanercept may be used. In additon there are assorted drugs which may be employed depending on the severity which include Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Corticosteroids or in extreme cases Azathioprine. The Forum is fortunate to have a number of members who suffer from this form of Psoriasis who gladly share their own experiences about coming to terms with and treating this form of the disease. Recommended Resources. Daves Psorsite The Flake HQ SkinCell Psoriasis UKThese pages are being added to daily. Please revisit often to check the content. If you would like to contribute to this page please send it to  You can register immediately for the forum by clicking  Top of Page |
Last Update: May 24, 2007
