Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that can begin in late teens onwards. An increase in the growth rate of the skin cells causes them to pile up one on top of another before they are ready to be shed in the normal manner. This gives rise to patches of scaling and redness, frequently the patches look silvery white especially, seen on areas where pressure occurs e.g. knees and elbows.
Psoriasis can also form on the scalp and hairline, and become very uncomfortable and itchy. There is thought to be a genetic cause for this disorder and it is thought to belong to one of the autoimmune disorders, where the body reacts against its own tissue. It has also been found that some people who suffer from psoriasis will also suffer unfortunately with increased incidences of arthropathy.
This results from increased inflammatory changes at the joint surfaces leading to damage of those surfaces, particularly the spine. It can also lead to changes such as pitting in the nails. Psoriasis unfortunately is not curable, but there has been on going research into methods of reducing the itchy, scaling problem and reduce the plaque formation.
Various skin preparations are available and some will work better than others, on an individual basis. Ultraviolet light treatment has also found to help, unfortunately some sufferers are so badly scarred or affected with psoriasis that they do not want to expose their skin in the summer when it would help the most. There are also drugs, which have a cytotoxic effect or severe side effects, which can help some severe sufferers, but may cause other problems such as liver damage.
There are complementary remedies that are often worth trying, research was being carried out on the effect of ripened banana skin used on the affected area, results are not available yet. It must be remembered that the skin contains many different cells and some are susceptible to our stress levels and excitement (seen in blushing, sweating and urticaria rashes ). If this is to be accepted, then it may be worth noting if your psoriasis is worse after a crisis and trying relaxation remedies or yoga.
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