Psoriasis
What is
Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a genetic chronic disorder (often called
immune-mediated) of the skin and scalp that affects approximately 5
million people in the
US.
Psoriasis is basically an inflammation of the skin.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is a scaling of the skin with
white, silvery flakes covering red inflamed spots that can appear all
over the body. The parts most affected are usually the elbows,
knees, scalp, lower back and heels. The flakes are excess skin tissue
that are being produced too fast by the body and now “pile up”. The skin
starts itching and burning.
The
disorder may even restrict motion in people as it also affects
the joints. In fact almost 30% of all people suffering from the
symptoms develop a certain form of arthritis, called
psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis mainly affects adults and is not contagious.
What
are the causes?
It is not known what causes psoriasis, but there are various
theories. Some factors might indeed contribute to or trigger
the development of this disorder.
The most common theory is that the immune system is not
working right. Similar to auto immune diseases, psoriasis is a disorder
that causes the body to fight itself. The body
fights its own tissue, sometimes even its own joints. The white blood cells (T
cells) in the body produce overdoses of chemicals that are actually
thought to help our body heal faster. However, overdoses of these chemicals cause
inflammation of the skin.
Psoriasis might have genetic causes and can therefore
probably be inherited. People affected by psoriasis have usually a
specific genetic factor that sabotages the immune system. However, only
a smaller percentage of people with this special gene actually suffer
from the symptoms. In those cases the symptoms are also caused by
one or more of the triggers mentioned here.
Another factor influencing flare ups are
weather conditions. Cold and dry weather usually worsens the
symptoms, whereas sunny, warm and damp weather conditions improve them.
Many patients also report frequent flare ups in times
of (emotional) stress or when they experience a mild trauma of
their skin. Therefore areas like the elbows are affected more frequently
than other areas.
A bacterial or viral infection can also cause
breakouts as it weakens the immune system. Especially the bacterium
streptococcus that is related to tonsillitis and sinusitis seems to
trigger the disease.
In addition to this list, several medications are known to
trigger psoriasis. Among them are beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and
Lithium.
A diet change might as well affect psoriasis; however that
has never been proven.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis.
In order to relieve the itching of the skin it is recommended to
moisturize it at all times. Some people take antihistamines or aspirin
when the itching becomes worse. Another way cool the skin is to take a
cold shower or to press a wet towel onto the itching area until the
itching stops.
There are some products in the market that actually help
clearing up flare ups and reduce them significantly. As with so many
other conditions, different people might have different experiences with
products. The best way to find out which product works for you is
trying.
Many people trust natural products like Manuka Oil,
because it has no known side effects and is very soothing for the
skin. In fact many of our customers over the past 10 years have reported
amazing success stories and keep ordering this extraordinary oil
ever since.
Click here to read more about this natural
psoriasis treatment
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