Psoriasis [Cause, Symptoms & Cure]

Psoriasis is a noncontagious critical skin condition which involves the rapid formation of skin cells. This formation of skin cells causes scaling on skin surface followed by inflammation and redness. Psoriasis is unpredictable, irritating and a type of skin disorder which is impossible to understand. In this cells beneath the skin surface multiple very fast and die, their volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales. The average life circle of skin cells is about a month. When a person has psoriasis, this cell production occurs in just a few days. That is why skin cells do not have time to shed off. This overproduction leads to a buildup of skin cells. Scales may develop on any part of the body including hands, feet, neck, scalp, face but especially on joints such as elbow and knees.

Types of psoriasis

• Plaque Psoriasis – most common type, causes red, inflamed patches covered with whitish silver scales or plaques, found on elbow, knees, scalp.
• Guttate Psoriasis – common in childhood, causes small pink spots, found on torso, arms, legs.
• Pustular Psoriasis – common in adults, causes white, pus-filled, blisters, and broad areas of red, inflamed skin, found on hands or feet, can spread to larger areas.
• Inverse Psoriasis – causes a bright area of red, shiny, inflamed skin, patches of inverse psoriasis found under armpits or breasts, in the groin, around skin folds in the genitals.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis – covers large sections of the body at once, rarely develop, skin appears like sunburned, scales develop in large sections or sheets, also causes fever.

Psoriasis Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but there are 2 key factors which may cause psoriasis:

1. Immune System – Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which body attack itself. In case of psoriasis white blood cells known as T Cells mistakenly attack the skin surface. White blood cells are meant to destroy invading bacteria and fight infection in the body. This mistaken attack causes rapid production of cells. The more and more new cells are formed and pushed to skin’s surface where they pile off. This leads to plaques which are most common in psoriasis.
2. Genetics – Some people inherit genes that make them prone to develop psoriasis. Your chances of developing psoriasis are higher if you have an immediate family member with a skin condition.

Factors which triggers Psoriasis

• Strep throat or skin infections.
• Injury to the skin, such as cut or scrape, sunburn, bug bite.
• Stress
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Certain medications such as an antimalarial drug, lithium for bipolar disorder, high blood pressure medicines such as beta blockers.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms may differ from person to person. Not every person experience all the symptoms. Most people go through cycles of symptoms.

• Red, raised inflamed patches of skin.
• Silver whitish scales or plaques on red patches.
• Dry skin that may crack and bleed.
• Itching and burning sensation around patches.
• Thick and pitted nails.Painful swollen joints.
• Disorder of fingernails and toenails including discoloration, the nail may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.

Complications that may be caused by Psoriasis

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Eye condition
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Other autoimmune diseases
• Parkinson’s disease
• Kidney disease
• Emotional problems

Psoriasis Treatment

1. Apple cider vinegar is effective to cure psoriasis. It will reduce itching on the infected skin. Apply pure apple cider or mix it with water, put on scalp area few times a week. It will help to reduce infection. Do not use if the skin is cracked and bleeding.
2. Get an Epsom salt bath. Mix some Epsom salt in warm bathing water. Soak yourself at least for 15 mins in bathing water. This bath helps to shed of scaly skin from the body. Always moisturize your skin after a shower.
3. Always keep your skin moisturized since dry skin increases the problem. Apply cream or moisturizer all the time on the body to prevent dryness on the skin.
4. Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and is helpful to cure psoriasis. This can be applied directly on the skin. Use soaps or shampoos which contain tea tree oil.
5. Aloe vera is also a soothing skin plant. Use some freshly squeezed aloe vera gel on the affected area. This will reduce itchiness on the skin. Apply 3 times a day on skin.
6. Turmeric is also very effective for treating psoriasis. This an antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Consume it through meals or take supplements containing turmeric.