Learn about the causes of Psoriasis & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Psoriasis within New Zealand.
Psoriasis is a chronic recurring skin condition, caused by the skin cells replacing themselves too quickly. Scaly patches appear on the skin, most commonly at the elbows & knees, but can occur in any area.
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, the
immune system is known to play a part in the condition. Antibodies
produced by the immune system help fight germs and viruses. If someone
has psoriasis, an antibody called T cells attacks healthy skin
triggering an increase in the production of new skin cells and more T
cells.
The resulting cycle of skin cell production lasts 5-6
days rather than the normal 28 days leading to a build up of dead skin
cells on the surface. Psoriasis is hereditary (runs in families) but
how genetics play a part in the cause of the condition is unclear.
Certain immune system diseases such as HIV can also cause psoriasis.
Many people with the condition find their symptoms are triggered by factors such as:
Psoriasis symptoms affect people in different ways. Many people find
their psoriasis appears for a couple of weeks and then eases or stops
completely only to return again a few months later. Others find their
symptoms are longer lasting and never fully disappear.
There are five common types of psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis
– this affects 80% of psoriasis sufferers and is the most common type.
Symptoms are red, scaly and dry lesions on the skin covered in silver
coloured scales. They typically appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and
lower back and can be itchy and sore.
Nail psoriasis
– this type of psoriasis affects the nails causing them to grow
abnormally and become discoloured. Nails can separate from the nail bed
or crumble.
Guttate psoriasis
– this causes sores on the chest, arms, legs and scalp and commonly
affects children and teenagers. The condition is caused by a
streptococci throat infection.
Scalp psoriasis
– this causes red patches covered in silver scales which can be itchy
and sore and in severe cases may result in hair loss. The whole scalp
can be affected but usually the condition appears at the back of the
head.
Inverse psoriasis
– where the skin folds or creases, smooth red patches can appear with
this type of psoriasis. It usually affects the armpits, groin and
buttocks or under the breasts. Inverse psoriasis is common in people
who are overweight and is made worse in hot weather when the skin
sweats causing friction.
Rarer types of psoriasis such as
pustular psoriasis causes blisters filled with pus to appear on any
part of the body. Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints and connective
tissue causing inflammation and swelling usually in the fingers or
toes. The rarest type of psoriasis is called erythrodermic psoriasis
and affects the whole body with a rash that causes itching and bleeding
Psoriasis is diagnosed with a physical examination of the skin by your GP. On rare occasions, the GP may take a skin sample to determine the type of psoriasis or rule out other skin disorders. If the GP suspects psoriatic arthritis then you'll be sent for a blood test and referred to a Rheumatologist.
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HA
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*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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