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Psoriasis is
a disease whose main symptom is gray or
silvery flaky patches on the skin which are
red and inflamed underneath when scratched.
In the United States, psoriasis affects 2 to 2.6
percent of the population, or between 5.8
and 7.5 million people. Commonly affected
areas include the scalp, elbows, knees,
navel, palms, ears and groin.
Psoriasis is
autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious.
Around a quarter of people with psoriasis
also suffer from
psoriatic arthritis, which
is similar to
rheumatoid arthritis in its
effects.
It is recommended that Transfer
Factor Advanced Formula to be used in autoimmune conditions.
Transfer Factor Plus is generally preferred for
conditions caused by infection. Transfer Factors
suppress over acting immune system
to ease autoimmune conditions.
Symptoms
of Psoriasis
In
order to know the symptoms of psoriasis, it
is important to have an understanding of the
many types of psoriasis.
Symptoms of psoriasis differ from type. Here is a
complete list of psoriasis symptoms by type:
symptoms
of plaque psoriasis
Skin
lesions are red at the base and covered by
silvery scales.
guttate
psoriasis symptoms
Small,
drop-shaped lesions appear on the trunk,
limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most
often triggered by upper respiratory
infections (for example, a sore throat
caused by streptococcal bacteria).
pustular
psoriasis symptoms
Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the
skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be
triggered by medications, infections,
stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.
inverse
psoriasis symptoms
Smooth,
red patches occur in the folds of the skin
near the genitals, under the breasts, or in
the armpits. The symptoms may be worsened by
friction, sweating and/or the presence of
yeast or fungal infections.
erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms
Widespread reddening and exfoliation of the
skin that may form the initial outbreak of
psoriasis, but is more often the result of exascerbation of unstable plaque
psoriasis,
particularly under the triggering effect of:
abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment, use
of systemic steroids or excessive use of
high potency topical steroids
corticosteroids (cortisone) or in a koebner
response to a widespread
allergic reaction
or
severe sunburn. This form of
psoriasis
can be genuinely dangerous, since the
extreme inflamation and exfoliation
interfere with the body's ability to
regulate temperature and perform other
barrier functions.
Joint
inflammation that produces symptoms of
arthritis in patients who have or will
develop psoriasis.
Psoriasis Effect
on the Quality of Life
Individuals with psoriasis may experience
significant physical discomfort and some
disability.
Itching and pain can interfere
with basic functions, such as self-care,
walking, and sleep. Plaques on hands and
feet can prevent individuals from working at
certain occupations, playing some sports,
and caring for family members or a home. The
frequency of medical care is costly and can
interfere with an employment or school
schedule. People with moderate to severe
psoriasis may feel self-conscious about
their appearance and have a poor self-image
that stems from fear of public rejection and
psychosexual concerns. Psychological
distress can lead to significant depression
and social isolation.
Sooth your psoriasis
skin problem with
Transfer Factor
RenewAll
Causes of
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is driven by the
immune system,
especially involving a type of white blood
cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help
protect the body against infection and
disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells
are put into action by mistake and become so
active that they trigger other
immune
responses, which lead to inflammation and to
rapid turnover of skin cells. These cells
pile up on the surface of the skin, forming
itchy patches or plaques.
The first outbreak
of psoriasis is often triggered by emotional
or mental stress or physical
skin injury,
but heredity is a major factor as well. In
about one-third of the cases, there is a
family history of psoriasis.
Researchers have studied a large number of
families affected by psoriasis and identified genes
linked to Psoriasis. (Genes govern
every bodily function and determine the
inherited traits passed from parent to
child.)
People
with psoriasis may notice that there
are times when their skin worsens, then
improves.
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