Psoriasis

Anatomy and PhysiologyMr. Mcgee Period 7/8

Symptoms

Thick red skin Irritation Flaky silver/white patches (scales) Dead skin cells rise to surface too quickly,

causing a build up

SCALES

Diagnosis

Common condition usually determined just by doctor looking at skin Can range from mild to severe Common between ages of 15 and 35 Erythrodermic - skin redness is very intense and covers a large

area Guttate - small, pink-red spots appear on the skin Inverse - skin redness and irritation occurs in the armpits, groin,

and in between overlapping skin Plaque - thick, red patches of skin are covered by flaky, silver-white

scales. This is the most common type of psoriasis Pustular - white blisters are surrounded by red, irritated skin

MILD

SEVERE

Causes

Passed down through families Occurs when body’s immune system

mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances

More common among those with weakened immune systems

Epidemiology

NOT CONTAGIOUS This condition cannot be spread to others

Treatments

Topical treatments (skin lotions, ointments, creams, and shampoos)

Systemic treatments (pills or injections that affect the body's immune response, not just the skin) doctor reccomendation suggested

Phototherapy (uses light) Home remedies: oatmeal baths, sunlight,

relaxation

Harder to Treat Cases

Bacteria or viral infections, including strep throat and upper respiratory infections

Dry air or dry skin Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites Some medicines, including antimalaria drugs, beta-blockers,

and lithium Stress Too little sunlight Too much sunlight (sunburn) Too much alcohol

Prognosis

Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can be controlled with treatment. It may go away for a long time and then return. With appropriate treatment, it usually does not affect your general physical health.

There are psoriasis support groups to help those living with the condition

Biblography

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001470/