Understanding Psoriasis – Quick Facts

Psoriasis is seen in about 2-3 % of the United States population. It’s a chronic skin disease that causes red and scaling skin. Psoriasis can develop at any age, however more than 70% of people see it before they turn 35. It’s important to know that psoriasis is not contagious – you can’t catch it or transmit it to someone by touching them.

Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

What causes psoriasis? The exact cause is not known, but many different factors contribute to its occurrence. These factors may include heredity, infections, immune system abnormality, injuries to the skin, and environmental factors.

Signs and symptoms can differ from a person to person, especially in extent and severity. Most common symptoms include red patches of skin, silvery scales, dry or cracked skin, and itching. About 50% of people will also have abnormal fingernails – pitting of the nails.

Psoriasis is one of the more difficult skin conditions to treat. There are many different treatment options available, but no single treatment works for everyone.

Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types – Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.

Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.

Diet is also very important. A well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains can have a really positive effect on psoriasis. Unhealthy living, stress, smoking and heavy drinking can only worsen the situation.