Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Risk Factors

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin of unknown origin, characterized by well circumscribed erythematous, dry plaques of various sizes, covered with mica like scales.

What are the Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be caused  due to Genetic Reasons or due to environmental factors.

Genetic Causes of Psoriasis

1. Many persons have a first degree relative with psoriasis.
2. Sibling of psoriatic persons have an 8% risk of developing the disease, 16% risk if one parent has psoriasis and 50% if both the parents have psoriasis.

Environmental factors causing Psoriasis

Attacks of psoriasis can be precipitated by or aggravated by stress, infection (streptococcal, HIV), pregnancy, trauma, drugs (anti-malarial, lithium), alcohol, tobacco smoking, sunlight etc.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

1. Onset and character of Psoriasis: The initial lesion is a papule covered with silvery scales. The papule generally enlarges peripherally and scales increase to mass. The removal of scales exposes pin-point bleeding points.
2. Sites: lesion occurs predominantly on the extensors of the extremities especially the elbows, knees, sacrum and occipital, but may occur any where on the body. Lesion is prone to occur at sites of trauma.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

1. Chronic stable plaque of psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.
2. Guttate psoriasis: small, round to oval lesions generally in children’s and young adults.
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3. Pustular psoriasis: in this form there is pus formation at the affected site. There are types depending upon the site where the lesion is present.
4. Flexure psoriasis: areas like axillae, groin, under the breasts, cubital area where there is flexion.
5. Palmer and planter psoriasis: involving palms and soles.
6. Scalp and nails psoriasis.
7. It also affects the joints as is in your case. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

How is Psoriasis Treated, Prevented or Managed?

Although there are many therapies for the control of psoriasis, there is no way to predict or prevent recurrence.

General Treatment of Psoriasis and Preventive Measures

1. Remove trigger factor if possible.
2. A warm climate may help you to control relapses.
3. Calm your emotions with help of yoga and meditation.
4. Avoid hot and spicy things. Sour things like curd are to be avoided.
5. Take rock salt instead of common salt.
6. Bitter things are better in persons suffering from psoriasis.

Natural Treatment for Psoriasis and Home Remedies

1. Make fine powder of dried Azadizrachta Indica tree leaves and store in a clean bottle. Take one teaspoonful (5gms) of Azadizrachta Indica tree leaves with a glass of water twice a day.
2. Half a teaspoon of pure turmeric. It is added to one teaspoon of a powder of the leaves of Azadizrachta Indica tree and should be taken twice a day with lukewarm water.
3. Make a pack of tender Azadizrachta Indica tree leaves and little bit of pure turmeric powder. This should be applied over the affected area before taking bath. You should take bath with water boiled in Azadizrachta Indica tree leaves after the above stated application.
4. Fish oils ( e.g. Cod liver oil) can be used with some success in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis especially in your case. Beneficial effects starts to appear after around 3 months on a diet rich in fish oils and seem to reach their maximum at 5-6 months.

Psoriasis Risk Factors

1. Family history: About 25% chances for children to get affected by psoriasis if one of their parents have psoriasis.
2. Medical Conditions: People with HIV are more likely to be affected than people with healthier immune systems.
3. Stress levels may increase the risk of getting affected by psoriasis as stress is partly responsible for weakening your immune system.
4. Excessive weight and heavy smoking will also increase the risk of being affected by Psoriasis.

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