|
|
Home  Feature Articles More than Itchy Skin?
|
More than Itchy Skin? |
|
|
|
Monday, 31 July 2006 |
We all get itchy from time to time, but how can you tell if it’s more? Psoriasis is a skin disease that, in its most common form—plaque psoriasis—appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. It’s best to visit your physician or a dermatologist if you suspect you have psoriasis.
The condition is non-contagious and affects about 4.5 million adults in the US. While there is no known cure for the genetic disease, it can be kept under control, in most circumstances, with topical (on the skin) and/or systemic (throughout the body) treatments.
Normally, psoriasis appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso—but it can develop in other places on the body, like the nails, palms, soles, genitals and, rarely, on the face. It usually shows up on a person between the ages of 15 and 35.
There is a very serious side to psoriasis, as about 10 to 30% of people afflicted with it also develop psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but generally milder. Still, psoriatic arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints, affecting the fingers and toes. It may also involve the neck, lower back, knees and ankles; psoriatic arthritis usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50.
For more information about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website at www.psoriasis.org or call 800-723-9166.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|