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What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis definition: psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatitis - a condition that affects the skin. 2-3% of the Earth population suffers from psoriasis: ~ 120-180 Million People.
The word psoriasis is derived from the Greek word "psora," which means "itching".
Psoriasis is a chronic disease - it usually lasts for many years, with remissions and relapses.
Psoriasis is known to be influenced by seasons. The most common seasonal psoriasis type is Winter Psoriasis - it gets worse in the winter and gets better in the summer.
Psoriasis is NOT Contagious. Many famous people, including Ben Franklin, Joseph Stalin, John Updike and others had or have psoriasis.
While normal skin cells ripen within 25-30 days, psoriasis skin cells try to do so in 4-5 days. These un-ripened cells build up, creating inflamed lesions covered with dense dead scales.
Psoriatic rash can affect any sections of the skin; however, the plaques are usually arranged symmetrically on the elbows, knees, arms, legs, body and scalp.
Besides the skin, psoriasis can also strike the nails and joints, and in very rare cases - the mucous membranes.
The following autoimmune/genetic factors are inherent to psoriasis:
- hyperproliferation - skin cells divide too fast;
- keratinization - the skin produces too much keratin;
- skin inflammation.
Psoriasis Causes numerous everyday inconveniences for the sufferer. The worst part is being forced to deal with cosmetic "imperfections" that limit your freedom of actions and social behavior, as well as your selection of hairstyle, clothing, and so on.
People with psoriasis frequently suffer from inferiority complexes. Being troubled by their appearance, they become reserved and shy: they avoid public places and wear maximally closed clothing. Even in hot weather, they may wear hats, long sleeve shirts, and pants...
Mild types of psoriasis include: Plaque Psoriasis (red lesions covered with silvery-white scales), Guttate Psoriasis (numerous small, red drop-like spots) and Inverse Psoriasis (red smooth lesions in the skin folds).
Severe types of psoriasis include: Pustular Psoriasis, Erythrodermic Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis causes pains in joints. With time, the joints may become deformed.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis causes fever, swelling and chills.
Pustular Psoriasis can be very painful. It may cause fever, and may require hospitalization.
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