Psorasis flare ups???

[blessed333]

What actually causes Psorasis and what causes it to flare up and then settle down time & time again? I haven't had a flare up in many many years then it came back with a mighty vengence. I have tried every OTC and Home Remedy out there w/no success, so I am determined to find the cause and nip it in the bud! Thanks in advance~

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Psoriasis is a chronic primarily skin disorder that is genetic and non-contagious. It can be on any part of the body, and can be mild, moderate or severe. If you have severe psoriasis, its symptoms may affect your quality of life, but a good dermatologist will help you ease the symptoms with proper medication.

The complete mechanism of causation of Psoriasis is unclear, however, some conditions are known to be associated, these include Climate, Physical trauma, Infections, and Psychological stress.

One might also have a genetic predisposition to getting psoriasis.

A dermatologist is the best source of good information and treatment about psoriasis. It is controllable and treatable and something that you can live with.

Hope this helped. Let me know if you may need any more information.

[blessed333]

Thanks for your help. I should probably give a general description of the area I am talking about. I have either scalp psorasis or eczema, don't know the difference really. I have severe itching and flaking but no large areas of crusting really. I don't think it is severe but just very irritating to deal with and embarrassing due to the flaking. Thanks again for your advice~

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
"Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder affecting the skin and joints which commonly causes red scaly patches called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees.

There may be many causes which may appear to aggravate psoriasis - stress, alcohol   and smoking are some of these.

There is a wide variety of treatment options available, response to which is determined by the degree and intensity of involvement. You may have to see a dermatologist to get a complete check-up, diagnosis and customized therapy in this case.

It has a genetic and immune component related. It is not contagious.

Lesions in psoriasis are recurrent in quite a few cases and therefore require long term medication.

As a first step, medicated ointments or creams like corticosteroids, cvutamin D analogues, anthralin, etc, called topical treatments, are applied to the skin.

If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step is to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation or PUVA therapy (PSORALEN +UV-A). This is called phototherapy.

The third step involves the use of medications which are taken by pills or injection including methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids.. This approach is called systemic treatment.

Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing.

More information on Psoriasis may be found at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis

and

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/psoriasis/article_em.htm

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards