In this article I will look at Psoriasis. At the outset we look at what Psoriasis is, we then consider the causes of Psoriasis, the risk factors associated with getting psoriasis and finally a selection of current treatments, and current management strategies available.

What is it?

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.

Psoriasis is a persistent, long-lasting (chronic) disease. You may have periods when your psoriasis symptoms improve or go into remission alternating with times your Psoriasis worsens.

For some people, Psoriasis is just a nuisance. For others, it's disabling, especially when associated with Arthritis. No cure exists, but Psoriasis treatments may offer significant relief. Lifestyle measures, such as using a nonprescription cortisone cream and exposing your skin to small amounts of natural sunlight, can improve your Psoriasis symptoms.

How do I recognise it?

Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following:

  • Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
  • Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching, burning or soreness
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
  • Swollen and stiff joints.

Causes

The cause of Psoriasis is related to the immune system, and more specifically, a type of white blood cell called a T lymphocyte or T cell. Normally, T cells travel throughout the body to detect and fight off foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have psoriasis, however, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection.

How do you treat it?

Like any disease, even if there is no cure, there is almost always something you can do to manage it and take control. There are three main areas involved in the treatment of any disease:

For information on medicines and therapies relevant to Psoriasis, make an appointment at Lynch's Pharmacy, Broadale, Douglas, Cork on 021-4366923.

Learn all about the drugs used to treat Psoriasis and any complementary medicines or therapies proven to help. Equip yourself with the tools to manage the condition and not be managed by it.

How do you live with it?

Certain adjustments may be needed to get on with your life, and often, some simple tips and advice can go a long way to making these changes. 

When you come to a Lynch's Pharmacy Clinic, we give you all the necessary information available to make your life more manageable and allow you to better live with your condition.

References

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

Psoriasis, a comprehensive review                                                                                                                                            http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193/tab=InDepth

https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Psoriasis/Pages/Introduction.aspx