Medicine for Africa - Medical Information Service

SORIASIS

Definition:
 
Psoriasis is a genetically caused skin disease, prevalent in about 2 to 4% of the population, that is caused by changes on a certain chromosome (chromosome 6) of the genetic material and which is expressed symptomatically rather differently from person to person.
 
Some show only some dandruff, mostly on the scalp, while others have 'dandruff' over large portions of their bodies, especially on the stretch sides of elbows and knees. But other body parts can be involved including fingernails, and annoying skin itching and joint involvement with arthritis-like symptoms are often present in long-standing psoriasis.
The skin changes, especially when widespread, can also cause serious psychological problems for the affected person.
 

Diagnosis:
 
Metabolic changes in certain white blood cells cause them to leave the blood circulation and to move into the skin leading to an inflammatory reaction.
 
The skin then tries to fight this invasion of cells which leads to an increase in skin cells with subsequent thickening of the skin (epidermal hypertrophy) and premature dying of superficially located cells. This creates 'dandruff', or the flaking of the skin tissue which is not yet separated from the underlying cell layers. Trying to remove the 'dandruff' gives rise to the classic sign of bleeding.
 
Dermatologists diagnose the disease either by its characteristic appearance, or, more definitely, by taking a skin biopsy of an affected area which will then be examined and diagnosed by a pathologist.
 

Treatment:
 
Treatment is mostly symptomatically, meaning that only the predominant symptoms are treatable; as of today there is yet no permanent cure for this disease.
 
Corticoid creams, special UV lights with and without accompanying medications, vitamin D derivatives or other types of treatment can only provide a temporary alleviation of the disease process; relapses are frequent. While certain foods can cause relapses, no effective diet has yet been established.
 
Even homeopathic treatment, with or without accompanying medications, can at best increase the time interval to the next relapse.
 

Prevention:
 
Psoriasis is a genetically determined disease, and so far there is nothing that can be done to prevent its occurrence.
 
The disease is not infectious through close or personal contact; it can, however, be invoked by certain medications, foods and drinks like alcohol or coffee, pressure injuries, too much sun exposure, pregnancy and, of course, stress of various origins as well as other less frequently encountered causes.
 
Please consider, every patient is affected differently by this disease, which has first to be diagnosed and established by a dermatologist before effective treatment can be prescribed.

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DISCLAIMER: The above article is only intended to provide general information regarding this topic. It is not intended and does NOT replace the need to consult a medical or other professional person, if you have or believe to have this disease/disorder. While the article was researched, written and reviewed by medical professionals, and Medicine for Africa, its staff and publisher made every effort to assure accuracy and correctness, it does not claim to be complete, correct or to reflect the very latest stand of medical/scientific knowledge in the disease’s/syndrome’s pathology, diagnostic and/or therapeutic development. Medicine for Africa, its founder, management, staff, writers, reviewers or publishers may NOT be made responsible or legally bound to any information provided above, and cannot be held liable to any conclusions or decisions the reader may draw after reading this article. The reader is explicitly advised to consult a licensed physician and to present his/her specific situation before making any health related decisions.