What is Psoriasis?
It is a chronic skin condition which causes excess production of skin cells. The build-up of cells produces the scaling which is common among people with Psoriasis. These scales are typically white or silvery in colour and cluster around in red patches. These patches may even form cracks and secrete blood.
Psoriatic patches usually develop on joints such as elbows and knees. They may also develop on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet and scalp.
Identifying Psoriasis
The most common symptoms are:
• Red, inflamed patches of skin
• White scales
• Severe dryness of skin
• Chronic itchiness and burning sensation around the patches
• Pain and swelling in the joints
What causes Psoriasis?
It is an autoimmune condition, which occurs when the immune system starts to attack healthy skin cells of the body, mistakenly thinking that it is fighting an infection. This causes the skin cells to reproduce at a faster rate, leading to pile up of excess skin cells on the surface. This build-up of skin cells leads to the formation of white scales. The autoimmune reaction causes the patches to become red and inflamed.
Types of Psoriasis
There are mainly 5 types of Psoriasis:
1. Plaque Psoriasis: About 80% of people who have this condition have Plaque Psoriasis. It causes the most familiar symptoms associated with Psoriasis, such as red inflamed patches and scales.
2. Guttate Psoriasis: This type is common among children. It causes the formation of small pink spots, which are mostly found in the legs, torso or abdomen.
3. Pustular Psoriasis: This condition is more common among adults. It causes blisters filled with pus. The skin develops broad red patches. These patches are usually found on the hands or feet.
4. Inverse Psoriasis: It causes bright red patches on the skin. Patches of this type of Psoriasis usually affect the groin or the breasts.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This is the rarest type of Psoriasis. The skin on large portions of the body begins to appear sunburned accompanied by sheets of scales. The person may also suffer from moderate fever.
Is Psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not contagious. This skin problem does not spread from one person to another. Touching a psoriatic patch of another person will not cause you to develop the condition.
What to do if you have Psoriasis
The obvious thing to do is to visit a specialized clinic which deals in various skin conditions. At first, the doctor will undertake a physical examination of the patches in order to make sure that you are indeed suffering from Psoriasis. If the symptoms are unclear, you may be asked to undergo a biopsy, for which a small sample of your skin will be tested in the laboratory.
In the mean time, you need to act carefully to subdue the symptoms. Wash the affected areas gently with water and then apply a good moisturizer. Avoid cold air and make sure your skin remains well-hydrated at all times. Drink plenty of water and refrain from scratching the patches, as this will only increase the irritation. If you feel that the itchiness is becoming unbearable, then take a bath with warm water. Remember to apply a moisturizer after the bath. Most importantly, try to control the level of stress by doing Yoga, breathing exercises or simple meditation techniques.
By Khalid Md. Saifullah
Naturoveda Health World
Note: Being at the forefront of treating chronic diseases, Naturoveda Health World utilises the unique combination of Fundamentals of Ayurveda, Unani and Therapeutic Yoga. These time-tested procedures not just tackle the symptoms, but also eradicate the root cause of the disease. The Naturovedic treatment is completely safe, highly effective and pocket-friendly as well. To contact Naturoveda, call on 1800 258 6666 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 96744 26666.
www.naturoveda.com
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