Monday, October 22, 2012

National Psoriasis Awareness Month

Category: Medical Info
August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month
Do you know what psoriasis is? Google or wiki psoriasis and you'll learn about different types of psoriasis and symptoms, but doctors and even the National Psoriasis Foundation don't know exactly what causes or how to stop psoriasis. According to the best theories of scientists and the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. It is not contagious.

There are two main hypotheses about the process that occurs in the development of the disease. The first considers psoriasis as primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The problem is simply seen as a fault of the epidermis and its keratinocytes. The second hypothesis sees the disease as being an immune-mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the immune system.

Psoriasis can be very painful and can affect an individual's self-esteem. It is also a fairly idiosyncratic disease. Cases of psoriasis may worsen or improve for no apparent reason. Studies of the factors associated with psoriasis tend to be based on small (usually hospital based) samples of individuals. Bath solutions and moisturizers, baby oil, and petroleum jelly may help soothe affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriatic plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly to psoriatic plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques.

If you've been diagnosed with psoriasis, don't worry. Stress has been known to cause the disease to worsen, so really-- don't worry! Contact the National Psoriasis Foundation for educational materials. Always consult with your regular health professional before making any treatment decisions. The vast majority of patients with psorasis have very mild symptoms, and these symptoms usually come and go with time. With the help of medical professionals, friends and family, you can manage this troubling disease, until there are more answers on how to stop it.
 
 
source: Quick Medical Staff on Monday, August 27, 2012

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