subject: Psoriasis- everything you need to know [print this page] Your skin is constantly shedding old cells and being replaced with new ones from underneath, in a cycle that usually takes about 28 days. In psoriasis, this process speeds up, only taking about three to four days. New skin cells move rapidly to the surface before they have properly matured, and accumulate on the surface of your skin, forming thick patches called plaques. There is also a build-up of a type of white blood cell (called T-cells) under your skin, which causes inflammation.
Psoriasis affects around two in 100 people. Psoriasis can begin at any age, and affects similar numbers of men and women.
Most people with psoriasis have the condition for life. However, it tends to come and go - often for no apparent reason - and the severity of each flare-up can vary. Psoriasis can't be caught from other people and it can't be transferred from one part of your body to another.
Types of psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, where you get pinkish-red scaly plaques (patches), especially on your knees and elbows. If you have plaque psoriasis, you may have periods when the symptoms aren't too troublesome.
Flexural psoriasis affects areas where your skin is folded - such as your armpits and groin area, where the skin tends to be thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the body. It's also sometimes called inverse psoriasis. Flexural psoriasis is commonest in older people.
Pustular psoriasis is a rare, severe form of the condition, in which small pus-filled spots (pustules) develop on your skin. This can be a very serious, life-threatening condition and you may need to be admitted to hospital.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is also a rare, severe form of the condition, in which your skin becomes red and inflamed all over. This intense inflammation results in protein and fluid loss, which can lead to a serious illness. It usually needs to be treated in hospital. Erythrodermic psoriasis usually only develops in people who already have another type of psoriasis. usingnatural products for psoriasis treatmentis hard in this case and its better to seek medical help.
Guttate psoriasis is a form of the condition in which small, circular, inflamed patches of skin suddenly appear all over your body, usually after a throat infection. It tends to affect children and young adults.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis occurs in different forms, but usually involves the thickening and reddening of patches of skin. Your skin may feel itchy, and can sometimes feel painful or sore.
If you have very mild symptoms, you may not be aware you have it.
Some types of psoriasis can affect your scalp - where it can cause redness and flaking - and your fingernails, which can become pitted and discoloured.
Complications of psoriasis
About one in 10 people with psoriasis also develops associated arthritis (inflamed joints). This is called psoriatic arthritis (please see Related topics). Usually the joints at the end of your fingers and toes are affected, although your back, knees and hips may be affected too.
Causes of psoriasis
It's thought that in psoriasis, substances produced by your immune system cause your skin to start producing new cells faster than usual and allow T-cells to build up. What makes your immune system act like this isn't clear.
If you have psoriasis then there is a psoriasis treatment that is available over the internet which helps to to calm and control psoriasis.
