Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term, autoimmune, skin medical condition characterized by a hyper-active immune system that speeds-up the growth of skin cells. Under normal circumstances, the cells of the skin grow completely and then shed in a time period of approximately a month. In people with psoriasis this procedure can be repeated every 3-4 days causing a piling up of skin cells. Psoriasis while not contagious can have a profound effect on the psychology (stress handling, emotional health) and social life of individuals.
- 3 out of 4 patients with psoriasis, characterize this medical issue as a significant or very significant burden
- 26% of people suffering from psoriasis tend to alter their social habits
- 36% report that the quality of their sleep has been affected
- 74% report having low self-esteem
- 83% claim the need to cover affected body areas with clothes
Diagnosis of Real Causes & Treatment of Psoriasis
- Gradual restoration of cellular function
- Personalized therapeutic protocols, without chemical residues and excipients
- Treating the real causes
- Therapeutic formulas that work alone or in combination with any other medication
- Adopting a Molecular / Therapeutic Nutrition Plan
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis manifests through a series of symptoms that among others include: red, raised and inflamed patches of skin, very dry skin that may crack and bleed, pruritus (itchy skin), pitted abnormal nails, burning sensation around skin patches, stiff-inflamed joints.
The most common symptom is the appearance of psoriatic patches. These patches can vary in size from very small spots to major eruptions that can cover large areas of skin. Psoriatic patches are most commonly present in elbows, knees, legs, palms and face.
The symptoms of psoriasis can go through subsequent cycles of flare-ups and remission. In many cases, patients mistakenly believe that after a remission the disease is no longer present and cease taking their medications, leading to new and usually more potent flare-ups.
The inflammation caused by psoriasis can have a profound impact on other organs and body tissues. People suffering from psoriasis, present a higher risk of developing other diseases such as: type II diabetes, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, eye infections, depression and other autoimmune diseases (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, sclerosis).
Types of Psoriasis
Quite a few types of psoriasis have been described, such as:
Plaque psoriasis
The most common form of psoriasis causing the appearance of dry, raised skin patches covered by silvery scales. Almost 80% of psoriasis cases, belong in this category. Patches usually appear in the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
Nail psoriasis
Fingernails and toenails can be affected by psoriasis leading to gradual discoloration and abnormal growth. In certain cases, the nail may loosen and fall. In other cases, nails become fragile and crumble.
Pustural psoriasis
This more rare form of psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of lesions filled with pus.
Inverse psoriasis
Usually smooth patches of red skin that can aggravate by friction or sweat, appear on the groin area, breasts and buttocks.
Guttate psoriasis
This form of psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of small, drop-shaped skin lesions on the trunk, arms and legs. It is reported mainly in children and adolescents.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This form is described as the rarest manifestation of the disease, in which a red, peeling rash can cover the entire body and cause intense itch and burning sensation.
Psoriatic arthritis
It is actually a combination of psoriasis with clinical characteristics of Arthritis. Joints can become swollen and painful. If left untreated, it can lead to stiff joints and permanent joint damage. Fingernails and toenails may be affected as well, similar to nail psoriasis.
Psoriasis Epidemiology
Psoriasis affects almost 125 million people worldwide. The prevalence of psoriasis ranges from 0.27% to 11.4% with factors such as age, geography, sex, ethnic background, genetic and environmental factors contributing to the variation in the prevalence.
Almost, one third of the cases are diagnosed at a young age. This disease is more common in ages between 15 and 25, but it can appear at any age. Psoriatic arthritis develops usually 10 or more years after the first diagnosis of psoriasis (ages between 30 and 50).
Factors contributing to the onset of the disease
Psoriasis has a strong hereditary link, as almost 30% of the patients report a close family member with the same condition.
Environmental and other types of factors have been identified as triggers, after which the onset of psoriasis has been recorded. These triggers include:
Stress. It has been well documented that the first appearance of psoriatic manifestations can happen after a period of intense stress or an isolated incident of stress.
Infections. Bacterial infections from Streptococcus spp. have been implicated in the onset of psoriasis mainly in children. In adults, other infections such as of the respiratory system or even a vaccination can trigger psoriasis.
Skin Injuries. Physical or chemical skin injuries can trigger the appearance of psoriatic plaques (Koebner phenomenon).
UV radiation. Sunlight usually ameliorates the symptoms of psoriasis. In certain cases though, it can be a factor leading to the appearance of the disease.
Excess alcohol consumption and Smoking.
Intense temperature fluctuation.
