Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin disorder that most commonly appears as inflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale. This most common type of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis." Psoriasis comes in many different variations and degrees of severity.
No one knows what causes psoriasis, though it is generally accepted that it has a genetic component, and a recent study has established that it is an autoimmune skin disorder. Scientists believe that a person is born genetically predisposed to psoriasis. One in three people report a family history of psoriasis, but there is no pattern of inheritance. There are many cases in which children with no apparent family history of the disease will develop psoriasis. Whether a person actually develops psoriasis may depend on something "triggering" its appearance. Examples of "trigger factors" include systemic infections such as streptococci throat infection, injury to the skin, vaccinations, certain medications, and intramuscular injections or oral steroid medications.
Once something triggers a person's genetic tendency to develop psoriasis, it is thought that in turn, the immune system triggers the excessive skin cell reproduction.
Psoriasis can be very painful, but the pain is more than skin deep. The emotions suffer as well. It presents people with physical limitations, disfiguration, and its tedious, daily care always demands too much time. Embarrassment, frustration, fear, and depression are common. In extreme cases, a loss of self-esteem results in a complete withdrawal from society.
Various kinds of temporary relief are available, and they work with varying degrees of success. Treatments and medications are often time consuming and sometimes expensive. They can be cosmetically unpleasant and on occasion pose additional health risks for the patient,
If you have a reason to think you are suffering with the above condition please contact myself your GP or follow the links to the Institute of Trichologists to find your nearest Qualified Trichologist*.
* Hair specialist