Psoriasis Information and Treatment 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which tends to run in families. Psoriasis affects between 1-3% of the population. Between 10% and 30% of people who suffers psoriasis get a associated form of arthritis called "psoriatic arthritis," which causes inflammation of the joints.

Psoriasis is a puzzle. Treatments that work wonders for one victim of psoriasis shows no effect or benefit for another. The process starts in the basal (bottom) layer, where keratinocytes (immature skin cells) are made. Psoriasis is general in fair-skinned people and comparatively rare in dark-skinned individuals, although the rate among African Americans appears to be slowly rising. The elbows and knees are the most common areas affected by psoriasis. It will commonly appear in the same place on both sides of the body.

Psoriasis influences 2 to 2.6 percent of the United States population, or almost 5.8 to 7 million people. Psoriasis is not contagious in any way. It is not possible to "catch" psoriasis by touching a person infected with it.

Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis with featuristic waterdrop-shaped scaly macules. Psoriasis seems to be an inborned disorder, and it appears to be related to the immune or inflammatory response. Research shows that between 4.5 and approximately 7 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis.

Among various types of Psoriasis, there is Plaque Psoriasis, that is characterized by raised, inflamed (red) blisters covered with a silvery white scale. Psoriasis can result to stiffness, pain, and joint damage. Some of Psoriasis patients suffer all their lives never being capaable to overcome the disease. Psoriasis can be linked to an immune system instable.

Psoriasis sounds to be an inherited disorder, probably related to an inflammatory response in which the immune system accidentally targets the body's own cells. The nails may also be affected by psoriasis. It is estimated that 10% of people with psoriasis have apparent changes only in the nails. Intense or resistant cases, or cases containing large areas of the body, can need intensive treatment or hospitalization. Mild cases are usually treated at home.Topical medications include: Shampoos or lotions that contain coal tar, Lubricants, Retinoids (Tazorac).