Those who are dealing with a loved one who is suffering from psoriasis may want to learn more about it and how to treat it. This is a skin condition which can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. This is a disease that impacts the way that the life cycle of the skin works. Too many skin cells rise to the top layer of the skin, which eventually builds up into silvery scales. Those who suffer from this disease can feel embarrassed when they go out in public looking like this, but there are some promising treatments which can improve the condition.
It is important to stay moisturized, as these scales can end up becoming painful and itchy. Scratching them too much can further damage the skin, and using a good lotion can help to prevent that. When the skin gets dry with this condition, it can begin to crack and bleed. Psoriasis can also cause swelling and stiffness of the joints, which can make the condition that much harder to deal with. It can be hard to tell what is happening with this condition, as it tends to work in cycles. For several weeks, the symptoms may be very bad. After this, there could be a period of time when there are very few flare-ups.
There are many different types of psoriasis, and the symptoms of each of these vary. Some only affect the nails, while others are more debilitating and impact a larger region of the body. While some may find that their condition is just annoying, others may see it impacting every area of their lives. This condition is a result of an overactive immune response, when the bodies cells mistakenly attack other bodily cells. Also, there are certain situations in which the condition could be made worse. This includes problems that will normally evoke an immune response, such as getting an infection or a cut on the skin. Some medications, including some of those taken for bipolar disorder can make the problem worse as well. Even smoking and stress may impact the condition getting somewhat worse.
While there are certain risk factors for developing this condition, anybody can end up with it. Being obese or having a family history of this disease can make it more likely, as can smoking or drinking too much. Over time, this disease can cause people to have limited social interactions, become depressed and even contract more infections as a result of scratching the itchy skin. There are many treatments available, and some of them even include just spending some time out in the sunlight.
This is a hard disease to deal with, but there are many ways to begin to treat it. Ask a doctor for help if the skin is causing problems in everyday activities, or if a person is starting to worry about how this is impacting their physical appearance. Helping a family member through this is much easier to do with all of the right information.