Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder, affects about 2 - 3% of the world's population. It's a condition that commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin, usually on the knees or elbows. It affects both sexes equally and can appear at any age, although it most commonly occurs in the 20s. Psoriasis is not contagious, it's not a rash and you can't catch it or give it to someone by touching them.
Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Psoriasis can be caused by a variety of factors, although the exact cause remains unknown. Genes and immune system seems to play a major role. Injuries, infections and environmental influences are also important factors.
There are many signs and symptoms of psoriasis and they vary from person to person. The classic symptoms are raised patches of red skin, topped with silvery scales that may itch or burn. Pitting of the nails is also relatively common.
How is psoriasis treated? That depends on the type of psoriasis and its severity. There is a wide variety of treatments available, but no single one will work for everyone.
Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types - Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.
Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.
Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet can significantly reduce symptoms of psoriasis. Living healthy in general and exercising regularly can help a lot. In a similar way, smoking, heavy drinking, and eating junk food can only worsen things. As Latin proverb says: eat well, drink in moderation, and sleep sound, in these three good health abound.
Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Psoriasis can be caused by a variety of factors, although the exact cause remains unknown. Genes and immune system seems to play a major role. Injuries, infections and environmental influences are also important factors.
There are many signs and symptoms of psoriasis and they vary from person to person. The classic symptoms are raised patches of red skin, topped with silvery scales that may itch or burn. Pitting of the nails is also relatively common.
How is psoriasis treated? That depends on the type of psoriasis and its severity. There is a wide variety of treatments available, but no single one will work for everyone.
Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types - Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.
Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.
Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet can significantly reduce symptoms of psoriasis. Living healthy in general and exercising regularly can help a lot. In a similar way, smoking, heavy drinking, and eating junk food can only worsen things. As Latin proverb says: eat well, drink in moderation, and sleep sound, in these three good health abound.
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It's important to know that in most cases the symptoms of psoriasis can be brought under control. To learn more about treatment of psoriasis, visit best treatment for psoriasis.
