Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder. It is not contagious; in fact it is inherited and so can be seen running into families through generations. Children, adults, Men and woman can be affected equally. Females develop it earlier than males. It is actually from the Greek word "psora "meaning itch and "psoriao" meaning to have itch.

Symptoms

Psoriasis means condition with red scaly skin. The Skin gets inflamed, thickens, and gets dry and most of the time red patch is formed. The red area is the plaque formation. Depending upon the variety of Psoriasis like Plaque/Palmoplantar/Guttate/Pustular -Plaque or pustules may be formed which are red, scaly, itchy, sore and even after the cure some pigmentation may remain in for few days

Causes - Several Factors are related for psoriasis development

• Inheritance from the family
• Stress in day to day life
• Several other infections in body can trigger psoriasis mostly streptococcal infections.
• Psoriasis can develop at sites on the skin which have been cut
• Some drugs can make psoriasis worse - steroids taken orally, tetracycline's etc

Treatment 

Topical treatment - Psoriasis is basically a dry skin condition and hence lot of Moisturisers should be used in large amounts and regularly. Vitamin D creams, retinoid applications are simple, less expensive and very effective if used correctly. Topical steroids can also be used by expert's advice.

Physical treatment - It requires visit to dermatologist to take the light treatment. Generally UVA and UVB light are included

Systemic treatment - It requires expert supervision and is taken in tablet form or occasionally by injection. It includes cyclosporine, hydroxyurea and many other different types of drugs. It has some side effects too.

Generally vitamin D supplements, topical creams, Moisturizers, sunlight, Light treatment is the key towards the treatment of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is seen to be rapidly increasing in the community and hence its awareness is very important so that people know how it doesn't spread and gets cured. The worst part is Psoriasis causes lot of anxiety and fear in the patient. He withdraws himself from the society and always covers his body to hide his infection .However with immediate action over it you can avoid all these things.

Remember it's our body and we need to pamper it ourselves. So take good care of it. After skin is the reflection of your inner well being.