Symptoms of Psoriasis:
Psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person. The symptoms of psoriasis also vary based on the type pf psoriasis you may be experiencing, but may include one or more of the following:
New skin cells take about a month or so to move from the deepest skin layer where they're produced, to the surface where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire skin cell life cycle takes only days leading to an accumulation on the skin surface causing symptoms including irritation, itching and redness.
People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their symptoms worsen, then improve. Conditions that may trigger flareups include changes in climate, infections, stress, and dry skin. Also, certain medicines, most notably beta-blockers, which are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, and lithium or drugs used in the treatment of depression, may trigger or cause an outbreak or worsening of the disease.
Causes of Psoriasis:
There are many beliefs as to the cause of psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth, which will in turn cause the skin lesions (National Psoriasis Foundation). Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease (Camisa 55). Researchers have isolated 9 gene mutations that may be involved in the occurrence of psoriasis. One of these mutations on chromosome 6, called PSORS-1, have been identifed as a major factor in the cause of this condition. Mutations on genes cause certain cells to function differently. With psoriasis, these mutations seem to largely affect T-helper cells. Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. When the immune system is functioning normally, the T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system may cause abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. These T-cells "attack" the skin and set off a cascade of events that make the skin cells multiply so fast they start to stack up on the surface of the skin. Normal skin cells form, mature, and then are sloughed off every 30 days. But in plaque psoriasis the skin goes through this whole process in 3-6 days. Diet and vitamin influences are thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression (Kligman 729).
Not everyone who has these gene mutations gets psoriasis. Lifestyle factors have also been found to play a role in causing psoriasis in people who have these gene mutations.
Other psoriasis trigger factors include:
Injury to the skin can cause the formation of a psoriasis patch known as the Koebner Phenomenon, and it can occur in other skin diseases, such as eczema and lichen planus. It can take 2 to 6 weeks for the symptoms of Koebner Phenomenon to develop after an injury. Types of injuries that can trigger a flare include: Abrasion - even mild abrasion, Increased friction from clothing or skin rubbing against skin in folds, such as armpits or under breasts, Sunburn, Viral rashes and rashes resulting from a reaction to medication. In order to prevent an injury from becoming a Koebnerised flare, it is important for patients to avoid skin injuries and begin treatment for rashes as quickly as possible. If caught early enough, treatment is possible, and preventative treatment can be started if a skin injury occurs.
Weather is a strong factor in triggering the symptoms of psoriasis. Exposure to direct sunlight, which usually occurs in the warmer months, often improves the rash. On the other hand, cold, short days seen in the winter months can trigger the rash to worsen.
Stress plays a major role in contributing to the symptoms of all skin conditions. Stress can trigger a psoriasis flares, but scientists are still unclear about exactly how this occurs. Studies do show that not only can a sudden, stressful event trigger a rash, daily hassles of life can also trigger the symptoms to flare or worsen.
Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can cause a psoriasis flare. Streptococcal infections that cause tonsillitis, or strep throat, tooth abscesses, cellulitis, and impetigo can cause the symptoms of guttate psoriasis in children. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not increase the frequency of psoriasis, but it does increase the severity of the disease.
Low levels of calcium have been reported as a trigger for psoriasis. Oddly enough, even though medications made from vitamin D are used in the treatment of psoriasis, low levels of vitamin D do not trigger a flare-up.
Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time. At Psoriasis-Ltd we strive to help you find new ways to extend the time between outbreaks and lessen the symptoms and severity of the symptoms when you do have an occurrence. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition, but an individual may have a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress. Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Areas of the skin most often affected include the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet (National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis-Ltd can be most benefical in all areas of the skin affected by psoriasis.
The degree of psoriasis can also vary from individual to individual. The symptoms range in severity from mild (affects less than 2% of body) to moderate (affects 2-10% of body) to severe (affects greater than 10% of the body). Skin injury and irritation, sun exposure, diet, stress and anxiety, medications, and infections have been known to make psoriasis worse.
