Psioriasis – what it is and how to cope with it

Psoriasis is a common skin problem, which mostly affects people between the age group of 15-35.  The main cause of it is still not known.  The immune system seems to be the main culprit here, as this occurs when it assaults healthy cells, mistaking it for hazardous ones.  The result is, thick, red skin which has flaky, silver like patches.  This skin condition is not contagious, but is known to be a genetic one.

Some factors which make psoriasis worsen

• Dry air or dry skin
• Cuts, burns or insect bites
• Too much or too little sunlight
• Those who have weak immune system, like having AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis or those who are undergoing chemotherapy.
• Those who have viral or respiratory infection

The main areas where the red patches occur are the elbows, trunks and knees, but it can appear anywhere in the body.  Genital lesions in male, yellow brown spotting and thickness of nails and severe cases of dandruffs are some of the other symptoms.

The doctors diagnose this condition by simply looking at the skin, but to rule out any other disease, a skin biopsy is advised.  It is very difficult for the people affected with this condition to lead a normal life, because of the great discomfort, which includes itching and pain.  Most people even find difficulty in getting certain jobs, playing any sports or even taking care of a home.  This often leads to depression due to the social isolation.

Some simple methods which help in relieving symptoms of Psoriasis include, diet changes and lifestyle changes.  Eating diets, which are low in energy and which have a good amount of vegetables have found to help in easing the symptoms.  Cod liver oil has also been found to be very beneficial.  It is best to avoid certain lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol, over eating, less of sleep and stress.  There are psychological symptom management program, which have been found to be really helpful to those suffering from this painful skin ailment.  As controlling this skin condition is a lifelong process.

The common treatments for psoriasis consist of phototherapy, topical ointments and medications.  The search for a permanent treatment is still ongoing.  The latest research, which may possibly be a cure, has been discovered by the cell biologists of the University of Bonn along with the University of Leeds.  This consists of a particular group of metalloproteinase inhibitors which is found to be helpful in normalizing the epidermis cells, which divide fast and causes this condition.  Their study is published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Vol. 123, No. 3).   This new therapy will surely bring a ray of hope to the millions of people, who have been suffering from one of the longest known skin condition of humans.