Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, non-contagious skin disease which is an immune mediated genetic disease. Psoriasis is characterised by itching, scaly plaques and redness. Psoriasis occurs due to increase in cell turnover due to decrease in mature period of deep skin cells.
Age: Generally occurs in the 15-35 age and incidence is equal in both males and females. Second peak occurs in 55-60 years.
Types of Psoriasis:
1. Plaque Psoriasis – Most common type of Psoriasis.
2. Guttate Psoriasis.
3. Pustular Psoriasis.
4. Inverse Psoriasis- severe form and common in obese people.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis-Severe form.
6. Scalp Psoriasis.
7. Nail Psoriasis.
8. Psoriatic Arthritis.
Psoriasis causes: Scientists found certain genes that cause Psoriasis.
1. Family history.
2. Immunosuppressive drugs.
3. Dry skin.
4. Stress- It is the major trigger for Psoriasis in modern life.
5. Drugs like beta-blockers, Lithium, iodides, pain killers and Anti-malarials may cause Psoriasis. 6. Skin injury.
7. Cold weather.
8. Streptococcal infection.
9. Smoking and alcohol.
10. Hormonal changes.
Psoriasis Signs and Symptoms:
1. Silvery scales.
2. Redness and increase in skin thickness at the affected site.
3. Itching and discomfort.
4. More than 90% of Psoriasis patients have plaques.
5. Knees and elbows are the most affected areas.
6. Nails and joints are affected in severe cases.
Psoriasis Statistics:
Around 7.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Psoriasis. Most affected area in the world is Northern Europe. 2-3% of world population is affected by Psoriasis. According to estimates, more than 120 million people are suffering from this chronic skin disease.
Psoriasis Complications:
1. 20-30% of Psoriasis patients develop Psoriatic Arthritis.
2. According to recent study, people with severe form of Psoriasis will have short life span. This research study was published in the Archives of Dermatology. Severe Psoriasis may reduce life span by 2-3 years.
3. Quality of life is severely affected.
4. Psychological symptoms like depression may occur in severe cases.
Click here to enter National Psoriasis Foundation.
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