Experts aren’t sure what the psoriasis causes are, but they do know it tends to run in families and most commonly hits in the teen years or middle age. Psoriasis tends to ebb and flare, although obesity, stress, smoking, certain drugs (Quinidine, a heart medication, and Inderal, a high blood pressure medication, to name two) or even a simple infection like a sore throat can aggravate outbreaks. Or you could go years without a flare-up; that’s the nature of this chronic but very unpredictable condition.

Psoriasis can be mild or extremely severe. Fortunately, most people escape with a few small patches on their elbows, knees or scalp. About 90 percent of people with psoriasis will also develop a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis.

Rx Mission: Remission

Having a doctor monitor your condition can make it easier for you to cope with psoriasis – emotionally as well as physically. “Everyone with severe psoriasis should get medical help,” says Albert M. Kligman, M.D., Ph.D.

The three most common treatments for psoriasis are topical treatments (applied to the skin), light therapy (called phototherapy) and oral drugs. Topical treatments, including steroids, calcipotriene (a cream-based derivative of vitamin D) and anthralin, reduce scaling and inflammation. Phototherapy, or exposure to ultraviolet-B light, helps clear psoriasis, while another form of light therapy, PUVA (psoralens and ultraviolet-A light), reduces cell growth. Oral drugs like methotrexate and cyclosporine also inhibit cell growth and reduce inflammation.

The treatments that work best, however, may also cause serious side effects. Taken in excess, methotrexate may cause liver disease, while PUVA ups the risk of skin cancer and steroids can thin the skin and occasionally aggravate the psoriasis itself. Moreover, the effectiveness of these treatments tends to decrease over time as your skin builds up a resistance to them for psoriasis causes.

To lower the risks and heighten effectiveness, these treatments are often juggled or used in alternating combinations – a strategy called rotational therapy. “Psoriasis can go into remission with any of these treatments, but the goal is to find combination treatments that make the remissions last longer,” says Alan Menter, M.D., clinical director of the National Psoriasis Tissue Bank at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and chairman of the dermatology department of that university. Currently under development are a vitamin A-based gel that eases psoriasis without the side effects of steroids and a topical version of methotrexate, which may be less risky, since less of the drug is absorbed through the skin.

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Psoriasis is a disease of the skin that is non-contagious, and on average it affects around 1-3 % of the world’s population. The symptoms are well known and will often come and go over time. Typical psoriasis symptoms are reddish, silvery raised patches of excess skin with peeling scales appearing many different places on the body, and very frequently on the scalp.

There are many different psoriasis types and variates. However, the by far most common is so called plaque psoriasis. The exact causes of psoriasis are not really known by the medical community. However, the theories we shall take a look at here will be the best explanations they have to offer.

Genetic Causes Of Psoriasis?

There has been some research involving certain gene mutations which may or may not be part of what is causing psoriasis. Gene mutations will typically affect certain cells in such a way that they function abnormally. In the case of psoriasis, it seems to be the T-helper cells that are creating problem.

Autoimmune Problems Among The Causes Of Psoriasis?

A normal and healthy immune system fights off foreign invaders such as viruses, fungus, and bacteria by producing antibodies. The white blood cells that produce these antibodies will also produce certain chemicals to assist in the process.

What happens in the case of psoriasis is that a certain group of white blood cells called T-cells goes into hyperactivity. The immune system seems to actually attack the skin and trigger many different events that leads to the skin cells multiplying many times more rapidly than they are supposed to. The dead skin cells then begin to stack up on the surface of the skin. The normal cycle for skin cells are around thirty days from “birth” to death. In the case of psoriasis however, the skin cells will complete this whole cycle in as little as 3-6 days.

If the immune system is working properly and as it should, the T-cells are supposed to assist in the healing of the skin. What happens in the case of psoriasis is that the T-cells will produce way to much of these assisting chemicals. This again will cause inflammation of the skin, and sometimes even the joints will suffer.

Causes Of Psoriasis Revealed As Just One Underlying Cause?

Could it be that the medical community is just to narrow in their focus? They zoom in on what goes on at the genetic and the cellular level to find what causes psoriasis, but they tend to forget the bigger picture. Nobody asks what causes these anomalies in the T-cells and immune system in the first place.

Why is the body seemingly attacking it’s own skin? Could it have anything to do with the overall toxicity level of the body? Let’s say the body is trying desperately to get rid of an excessive amount of toxins via the sweat and the skin. As these toxins are being “rounded up” and moved towards the surface of the skin there is a bottleneck factor involved. When the toxins get concentrated towards the surface of the skin it is only natural that the immune system reacts. It attacks these toxins and the skin suffer.

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It is not surprising that the skin disorder is definitely one of the most misunderstood skin conditions. While in the Biblical times, the condition has been believed to be a milder variety of leprosy, Greeks knew it was different. They even coined a specific term for psoriasis—‘lepra,’ meaning ‘scaly skin condition.’ However, no significant effort in the past had been identified to explain what really causes psoriasis. To date, there are three identified possible causes of the condition, namely, genetics, the immune system, and environmental factors.

Genetic causes

For quite some time, it has been believed that psoriasis is hereditary in nature. Thus, it could only be passed through heredity, and not through skin contact. This is the reason why the skin disorder is not communicable or infectious in any way.

Several research efforts have found that there are actually nine genetic mutations that possibly lead to the onset of psoriasis. Included in those mutations is the one called PSORS-1 on chromosome 6. This is scientifically identified as the most likely genetic cause of the skin condition. This type of mutation is identified as affecting skin cells production in specific parts of the body.

The immune system

You know that the immune system is responsible for protecting the human body against microorganisms that cause diseases. In its normal function, the immune system produces white blood cells that create antibodies, which in turn combat viruses and bacteria. When special types of white blood cells, called T-cells, are produced more than normal, psoriasis occurs.

Such T-cells attack and invade skin cells. In the process, the natural skin cells are forced to multiply in an abnormally rapid rate that they stack up on skin surface. Normal skin cells are then formed. Those cells mature and slough off at least on the average of 30 days. In the case of plaque psoriasis, formation of skin patches, the skin is subjected to the entire process in just 3 to 6 days.

A proof that psoriasis is caused by an abnormal function of the immune system is the observation that immune-suppressing treatments could effectively clear the skin disorder. In the end, genetic factors are still believed to trigger immune abnormalities that lead to psoriasis formation.

Environmental causes

Believe it or not, several researches are pointing to the possibility that there are environmental triggers for the disorder. In general, it is believed that environmental factors prompt formation of psoriasis in persons who has gene mutations (mentioned above) and genetic factors. Weather, stress, skin injury, infection, and lack of vitamins are believed to lead to manifestation of the condition.

No matter what causes psoriasis, experts assert that the condition should not be taken as a curse. There are now treatments available to overcome the condition. It would also help to understand that it is not communicable. Thus, there is no need to isolate or ostracize people who are apparently affected by the disorder.

Of the five variants of the condition, plaque psoriasis is the most common. It affects 8 out of 10 people. It is characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin with silvery-white scale covering. Although it can take place anywhere on the body, plaque psoriasis most frequently forms on the elbows, lower back, knees, and scalp.

The other variants include guttate psoriasis, which involves small reddish spots on the skin. Pustular psoriasis is recognized for its white pustules covering the red skin. Inverse psoriasis is known for its smooth, red lesions forming in the skin folds. Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by widespread redness, severe itching, and pain.

Each variant can bring about discomfort. It can lead to itchiness in the skin as well as cracks and bleeding. In severe cases, the patient may find it difficult to sleep at night. The pain associated with the condition can make daily tasks daunting.

Psoriasis can be a chronic condition which can endure throughout the life of the patient. At present, there is no known cure. Flare ups can happen throughout their life. In order to control the signs and symptoms, the individual has to undergo lifelong therapy.

The treatment approach is determined by the degree and kind of psoriasis. In its mild stage, the patient may not be aware that they are suffering from the condition. In severe psoriasis, the lesions may extend throughout majority of the body and may require hospitalization. Majority of psoriasis cases fall in between.

In the United States, 4.5 million adults have been diagnosed with psoriasis and 150,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly. It is estimated that 20% of the patients experience moderate to severe psoriasis. Its prevalence is equal in both genders. Recent studies have established an ethnic link.
Among the various racial groups, the condition is most prevalent in Caucasians and slightly less prominent among African Americans. Across the globe, it is most prominent in Scandinavian countries as well as in other regions of Northern Europe. It is slightly rare among Asians and rare among Native Americans.

In addition, psoriasis is likewise genetically linked. Almost 1/3 of people suffering from the condition have at least one member of the family diagnosed with the condition.

According to research, the signs and symptoms of psoriasis manifest itself between 15 to 35 years old. About 75% show up prior to reaching 40 years old. However, it is likely to suffer from the condition at any age. The peak onset of the condition ranges from 50 to 60 years old.

About 1 in every 10 people is diagnosed with the condition during childhood and begins in infancy. The earlier the onset of the condition is, the higher is the possibility of it being widespread and recurrent.

In the case of psoriatic arthritis, nearly one million people in the United States suffer from the condition and 5% to 10% suffer from disability. Its initial onset is between 30 to 50 years old months after the first appearance of skin lesions. It is worth noting that not everyone diagnosed with the condition suffers from psoriasis.

Understanding what is psoriasis can be effective in preventing and treating the onset of the condition.

Scalp psoriasis is characterized by reddish, raised, and scaly patches in the scalp. The rashes are well-defined and are going down to the neck or in some cases in the ear front. In some cases, a small area is affected (usually the upper neck or the back of head0, while is any instances, the entire scalp is covered by rash. Scales appear white and very thick with tight attachment to the hair. In severe cases, hair in the affected area gets thinner.

Often, scalp psoriasis is mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by a specific type of yeast. Biopsied portions of the scalp could look similar in both conditions. However, scalp psoriasis’ patches appear more defined compared to patches brought about by seborrheic dermatitis. Of course, patients prefer seborrheic dermatitis, whish is easier to treat and is causing less discomfort, than scalp psoriasis.

Several symptoms are identified with scalp psoriasis. These include: reddish plaque, silvery-white scales, flakes that appear like extraordinary dandruff, drying scalp, severe itching, and even temporary hair loss, which results from intense and frequent scratching.

It is important to note that about half of all people suffering from the skin disorder are susceptible or at risk to developing scalp psoriasis. Experts believe that most psoriasis patients experience even at least a single episode of the scalp disorder during an entire flare. Diagnosis is usually taken through dermatologists’ visual examination. In some cases, biopsy should be conducted (especially to differentiate the condition from seborrheic dermatitis).

Needless to say, this kind of psoriasis is significantly affecting the quality of lived of patients. Chronic types could last for years. In some cases, scalp psoriasis flares and not other skin psoriasis areas, and vice versa. Unexpected and long-lasting flare ups are most disliked by any sufferer. Many patients even complain about the embarrassment caused by flares and their uncontrollable itching. Sleep deprivation is of course common.

Is the condition treatable? There are many treatments available but not all are guaranteed to bring about favorable results. Main goals of available treatments are to control flare ups and to bring relief from symptoms. The most common available treatments are topical (applied to surface). Using topical medications could be a bit challenging because the treatments should be applied directly to the scalp and not the hair. In this regard, application could take time and could test anyone’s patience.

Phototherapy is applied if topical treatments fail. This is done through the use of laser or special light sources. Specifically, excimer laser is identified as most effective in treating scalp psoriasis.

If scalp psoriasis is most unwanted, there is a light of good news. No matter how severe psoriasis flares could get, scalp psoriasis does not last as long as other flares. Dermatologists remind sufferers that with their assistance and proper application of prescribed treatment, the condition could be easily and quickly curtailed in just a matter of hours of days.

Though the condition may recur, discomfort could be experienced very shortly.

There are about seven psoriasis types that are described and discussed in most books and studies. There may be other types, but they still have to be identified, discovered, or studied about. For now, it would help if you would be acquainted or be familiar with the common types of psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis – This is undoubtedly the most common among all forms of psoriasis. This type is affecting an estimated 80% to 90% of sufferers worldwide. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by the formation of raised, reddish, and scaly skin areas with apparent inflammation. There are also traces of silvery white scales in the affected skin. Such scaly skin parts are often referred to as plaques.

Psoriatic arthritis – Many people are confused about psoriatic arthritis. Is it a skin disorder or a joint disorder? This type of psoriasis basically involves inflammation of connective tissue and joints. This specific condition could very well affect joint of any kind. The most common affected joints are those found in toes and fingers. The onset of psoriatic arthritis could lead to swelling of sausage-shaped toes and fingers. The condition is also referred to as dactylitis. Moreover, psoriatic arthritis could very well affect the knees, the hips, and most particularly, the spine. It is estimated that around 10% to 15% of psoriasis sufferers also suffer from psoriatic arthritis.

Inverse psoriasis – Flexural psoriasis generally looks like smooth but inflamed skin patches. This type usually occurs in the folds of the skin, specifically at the armpits, under the breasts, under the stomach of an obese person, and around the genitals. Take note that this psoriasis type is highly vulnerable to different fungal infections and is aggravated by sweat and friction.

Pustular psoriasis – This type is often described as raised bumps filled with pus or pustules. The surrounding skin appears tender and reddish. This kind could be localized (appearing in hands or feet) or generalized (appearing in any body part).

Guttate psoriasis – There are countless small round sports. Those spots almost always appear in several larger skin parts like the scalp, the limbs, and the trunk. In many cases, guttate psoriasis is linked with infections caused by streptococcus, which causes throat infection and tonsillitis.

Nail psoriasis – One characteristic of psoriasis is that it could be unreadable and unconventional. Aside from the skin and scalp, it could also manifest in finger and toe nails. Nail psoriasis facilitate several changes in the overall appearance of nails. Such changes include discoloration seen under the plate of a nail, lines across nails, pitting, crumbling of nails, loosening, and thickening of skin under nails.

Erythrodermic psoriasis – This psoriasis type involves widespread exfoliation and inflammation of skin over most surface of the body. The condition may also bring about swelling, pain, and severe itching. This is the fatal form of psoriasis because extreme exfoliation and inflammation could possibly disrupt anyone’s ability to regulate body temperature and to benefit from barrier functions of the skin.

You probably have heard a few scientific explanations (though those are still initial and preliminary in nature). According to several research efforts, psoriasis is developed when there is mutation in several genes. Such mutations are believed to make the immune system produce antibodies that then attack not just potential disease-causing organisms and entities but also the several skin cells.

Aside from the genetic factors, several environmental causes have been observed to trigger the onset of psoriasis. Be reminded that the following environmental factors just speed up the onset or manifestation of the skin disorder. It would still yet to be studied whether eradicating such factors could effectively help prevent psoriasis in general.

Weather is one environmental factor often identified with psoriasis flare. Some people believe weather is a very strong trigger. Several psoriasis patients observe that rashes caused by the skin disorder worsen during cold, winter months. On the contrary, many observe that rashes caused by psoriasis tend to improve whenever exposed to direct sunlight during summer or warmer months.

Injury skin is identified as a cause for appearance of psoriasis patches. It usually takes about two to six weeks before any skin lesion develops into psoriasis (take note in people with psoriasis). Specific types of skin injuries that are observed to lead to psoriasis flares include abrasion, sunburn, drug and viral rashes, and skin friction due to clothing or rubbing in skin folds like under the breasts and armpits.

Many people could not easily link stress and psoriasis flares. But science has been trying to explain the occurrence. To date, no concrete explanation is yet released, but it has been a common knowledge that psychological stress triggers psoriasis attacks. Patients may also do a little experiment. Whenever there is a sudden stressful happening that affects patients, it is expected that psoriasis rashes tend to worsen. It is the same reason why daily stress is also identified as a trigger. In addition, a research also found that patients with high levels of anxiety are twice less likely to manifest positive response to psoriasis treatment than patients who worry less.

Needless to say, viral and bacterial infection could trigger psoriasis flare. HIV or human immunodeficiency virus increases severity of psoriasis, but does not boost its frequency. In children psoriasis flares are usually triggered by attacks of streptococcal bacteria that causes infections like sore throat, tonsillitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and tooth abscesses.

Lack or low level of vitamins could also be a strong cause of psoriasis. In particular, very low calcium levels in a patient could trigger psoriasis. It is also interesting to note that low vitamin D levels do not cause flare ups, though medications sourced from the vitamin could help effectively treat the skin disorder.

Lastly, it is also logical that several drugs do speed up manifestation of psoriasis. Such treatments (for other diseases) include beta blockers for hypertension, lithium for bipolar disorders, chloroguine for malaria, and indocin for arthritis and gout. Corticosteroids are found to help drastically improve psoriasis but there is a downside: immediately stopping intake of such drugs could effectively trigger psoriasis flares.

If the treatment became successful to a particular patient doesn’t mean a success also to the second patient. Through this article will state to you some of the immediate treatments research by dermatologist and surgeons. Treating a particular psoriasis will be a trial-and-error medication depends upon the location of the infected area, the size and the prior treatment you’ve made that causes your psoriasis disorder.

The first treatment that most patients of psoriasis get is the topical corticosteroids (topical steroids) and available over the counter upon prescription of your doctor with different strengths. The highest of all steroids are almost a thousand times stronger than the over the counter 1% hydrocortisone. These are the Psorcon, Diprolene, Termovate, or Ultravate.

The next treatment is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 such as Dovonex (clacipotriene). Regular vitamin D supplements cannot treat actually psoriasis and used in excess are dangerous. This ointment can be applied 2 times daily and it will control the excessive production of skin cells in psoriasis.

The oldest and widely used treatments with no prescription needed and can be applied directly to your skin are the coal tars. Coal tar is safer than topical steroids but they are messy, smelly and less effective but it makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.

SCAT (Short Contact Anthralin Treatment), is a very old treatment for psoriasis but because of it stain skin and clothing brown or purple it became unfavorable. To limit the staining an especially washable form is used for a 15-30 minute application then wash with a lukewarm water.

Salicylic acid is a non-prescription creams to remove scales combined with topical steroids, anthralin or coal tar.

Tazorac is a gel that can be effective for psoriasis. It is also irritating when you apply it into your skin just like the Dovonex. The benefit of this tazorac can clear psoriasis for a longer period of time compare to any other topical medication. Upon using tazorac, you must combine this with topical steroids to minimize irritation. Tazorac is not safe to all pregnant women.

UVB Phototherapy uses an artificial UVB light just like sunlight rays. For more doctors, they advised to this therapy before applying any topical medications. The therapy will be done in your office or at home for three to five times weekly for twenty to thirty treatments overall.

Soriatane is the most effective vitamin A against pustular and erythrodemic psoriasis and it is also good for any plaque psoriasis when you combined treatment with UVB.

Methotrexate treatment can be taken pills, liquid or injection to control the psoriasis. If you decided to use this treatment, you must closely monitor because it will eventually cause liver or blood producing bone marrow damage. If you are alcoholic cannot take this drug.

Hydroxyurea is less toxic but not that effective also. Pregnant women or expecting to have a baby must avoid of using this kind of treatment.

As a precautionary measure, before taking or deciding any of the above treatments must consult their dermatologist to help you decide what Psoriasis treatment can be made for you.

Many psoriasis sufferers complain that flare ups occur more often and in severe forms during winter. More interestingly, when exposed to direct sunlight, psoriasis rashes tend to improve, if not totally go away. This leads many researchers to take a closer look at the potential of sunlight as a psoriasis treatment.

The most significant study that provides credence to such assertions is the one conducted involving 20 Swedish nationals with an average age of 47 years old (everyone a psoriasis sufferer). The subjects were brought to a three-week outing/vacation in Gran Canaria. At the end of the break, most of the subjects reported improved conditions or elimination of flare ups.
Have you ever wondered why you feel refreshed after a vacation at the beach or at places with sunnier climates? The reason could be the same reason why psoriasis sufferers experience relief and improvement in conditions when exposed to enough volume of direct sunlight. There really is what is called as healthy tan.

Playing a key role to the promising element of sunlight to treat psoriasis is Vitamin D, which you know could be directly taken from the sunlight. The vitamin is actually manufactured by the skin as a response to exposure to sunshine. It is the reason why for many years, the vitamin has been promoted as an important factor for skin health. The common experience of psoriasis sufferers when exposed to direct sunlight could be among the many indirect evidences of sun rays’ effectiveness in bringing about skin health.

In general, the skin condition is characterized by red, scaly, and usually raised skin (called plaques). These characteristics are often exhibited in the skin covering the elbows, the knees, and the scalp. Researchers look at the theory that the condition may be due to excessive proliferation of outer skin cells, also called keratinocytes.

Vitamin D has the ability to regulate genes in keratinocytes. Thus, the vitamin logically might play an important role in regulation of excessive production in the skin of such cells. This reason is also logically behind the use of the vitamin in treating psoriasis. You could always try this out. Like most psoriasis sufferers, you might experience an improvement in flare ups if you would expose the affected skin part to direct sunlight for a few minutes or even hours.

It has also been found that sunlight could bring about positive changes or improvements to the biochemistry of sufferers. The exposure could also lead to improvements in blood sugar and blood fat levels. In this way, exposure to sunlight could be physical and systemic treatment at the same time.
If you are really in dire need of a psoriasis treatment, there is no excuse why you should not or could not try out exposure to sunlight.

This is free, convenient, and proven effective. Vitamin D is also basically good for the body and for the overall health of the skin.

There are some home remedies that have been known to relieve and treat psoriasis, particularly flare ups. Most of these remedies need not special ingredients. Some are helpful and healthy activities that any sufferer could always perform at the comfort of home.

Exercise

Tai Chi, swimming, and cycling have been identified as recommended exercises or physical activities to treat psoriasis. Such actions help bring about necessary improvements to strength and overall blood circulation. They are also beneficial for joint inflammation because they are non-impacting and are gentle to the joints. Tai Chi is said to be the most effective of the three because it literally encompasses range of motion and stretching.

Water therapy

By this, it means water applied to or poured over the affected skin areas. Specifically, water combined with sea salt is most beneficial. The solution has therapeutic effects especially to skin disorders like psoriasis. This is the main reason why water and sea salt solutions are carried out and offered at holistic, ayurvedic, and spa centers. In particular, many dermatologists recommend Bokek Dead Sea salt bath for sufferers. Sea salt is believed to have cleansing properties that not only clean pores but also help detoxify the human body. Therapeutic bath salts could also be used on daily and weekly basis as home treatment for psoriasis.

Splints

For psoriatic arthritis, splints are most recommended as a form of home remedy. That is because this is facilitating great support for the natural joint position. However, be reminded that it might not help being fully reliant on splints. Exercises are still better for improving joint psoriasis.

Scale removal

Removing excess dead skin on a daily basis could be a highly useful prevention against excessive build up of skin. Scales are dead skin cells that accumulate over time. If not removed, scaling could proceed to formation of deep and large platelets that could cause further pain and discomfort. To remove excess dead skin, application of salicylic acid could be used. Salicylic acid is a naturally softening agent that is widely available without prescriptions. A solution made up of skin lotion and virgin olive oil could also do the trick.

Elimination of stress

Several studies associate psoriasis and flare ups with high levels of stress. The appearance of lesions and scales may further add up to the stress and depression, making the condition worse. Positive thinking could be a good help in efforts to curtail psoriasis.

Diet and climate

While some sufferers believe that there are specific foods that prompt or trigger flare ups, no scientific evidence could support such notions. That is why until today, psoriasis is not in any way related to any dietary problem. However, psoriasis flare ups are more severe and are often during winter season. Some studies have found that direct exposure to sunlight could help control and improve conditions.

Thus, warmer and sunnier climates are logically better and more advisable for psoriasis sufferers.