Psoriasis is a skin condition characterised by red areas on the skin surrounded by silver scaly patches in the affected areas. It is caused by excessive growth of the top layer of the skin (epidermis). The epidermis of a person affected by psoriasis is far more active than that of a normal person the rate of cell reproduction is much greater (about 3 times).The excessive growth of the skin is due to abnormal behavior of white blood cells(T cells), associated with the immune system. When an area of skin is affected by psoriasis, these cells act as though the skin were damaged or cut, and attempt to repair the skin. This is done by producing new skin cells, at a much faster rate than skin that is not damaged. Despite the appearance of severe trauma in the area of skin affected by psoriasis the skin is not damaged and can return to complete normality. The abnormal skin cell re-production results in the skin becoming red and inflamed as blood supply to the area increases. Finally the skin becomes thick and scaly with an excess dead skin which it cannot shed fast enough.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
One of the most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. It is distinguished by raised, inflamed (red) lesions covered with a silvery white scale. The scale is actually a buildup of dead skin cells and the build up can be considerable if not removed. Plaque psoriasis may appear on any part of the body, though the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk are the most common locations.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis is typified by Large, dry, smooth, red plaques which occur in the folds of skin in the area of the groin, in between the buttocks, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Inverse psoriasis is related to increased sensitivity to friction and sweating.It can be extremely irritating in hot weather and must rate as one of the most unpleasant forms of the ailment.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small red dots spots of psoriasis. Very often it appears on the trunk, arms and legs. The lesions may have some scale. Guttate psoriasis frequently appears suddenly following a streptococcal infection or viral respiratory infection. There are also other events that can cause an attack of guttate psoriasis: tonsillitis, a cold, chicken pox, immunisations, physical trauma, psychological stress, illness, and the administration of anti malarial drugs.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is characterized by blister-like lesions on the skin. The fluid contained within consists of white blood cells in the skin. It is not an infection, and it is not contagious. It is usually localized to certain areas of the body such as the hands and feet, but can be widespread. It tends to go in cycles of reddening of the skin, formation of pustules, formation of moist yellow scale.
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect the nails both toe nails and finger nails. Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various size, shape, and depth.Typically the nail beds become discoloured with darker spots and the nails can develop a yellowish color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be surrounded by inflammation. Another symptom is detachment of the nail from the nail bed.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is caused in much the same way as psoriasis. White blood cells act as though the affected joint is damaged, and attempt to repair the perceived damage, causing inflammation of the affected area.
Conclusion
The cause of psoriasis is not yet fully understood. But the fault in the production of the confused white blood cells (T cells) has been traced down to genetic level and there is little doubt that the complaint or the predisposition to it is hereditary. Research has been going on continuously for many years and the technical detail of these studies can be found in the news and links section of this site. Some exciting new developments are promised in the area of genetics but it is still early days. There are definitely some incredibly complex links between various vitamin deficiency,s and abnormal cell behavior but the conundrum has confounded the research establishment for all last century.
