Psoriasis

Psoriasis

    * Introduction
    * Signs and symptoms
    * Causes and Risk Factors
    * Diagnosis and treatment
    * Skin care tips
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by the appearance of red cards, well defined, containing scales and are located on different parts of the body. Scales are thick, pearly white color, tight to the skin and easily removable in the form of slides. The disease occurs in about 2-3% of the population. Psoriasis affects mainly certain areas of the body including the scalp, elbows, knees and back. More rarely, the armpits, palms and plants (feet) are reached. In 50% of cases, psoriasis can not locate the nail, which is thicker and peel, becoming green.

Symptoms vary from mild and really get to painful events (eg, those located in the folds of the joints). On the other hand, give rise to severe forms of psoriasis manifestations of emotional nature, the disease having a negative impact on social relationships, personal and emotional. Patients are often so overwhelmed by their illness that they feel isolated and depressed.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but one of the triggers include trauma, infections and some medications. Diagnosis is based on the appearance and distribution of lesions. Treatment consists in the use of emollient creams, vitamin D, retinoids, corticosteroids, phototherapy, and in severe cases, methotrexate or immunosuppressive agents. Incidence according to age distribution is bimodal: the first peak occurs in 16 to 22 years, and the second between 57 and 60 years.