Understanding Psoriasis For New Sufferers

By Vicky Fern

If you are a new sufferer of psoriasis it can seem a bit overwhelming at first. However with a bit of knowledge you can quickly learn how to effectively manage your condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. That means it is long term. It causes your skin cells to reproduce too quickly which results in patches of skin that are thick and white or red. Normal skin cell production grows gradually with skin flaking off in an unnoticed manner every four weeks. As new cells grow they replace the outer layers of skin which shed. But if you are suffering from psoriasis your new cells move to the surface faster than your outer layer can shed. This means it builds up in a matter of days and forms thick patches. These patches are referred to as plaques and they range in size. They often appear on the hands or the feet as well as the knees and the elbows. Some people see these patches form on the scalp or the lower back as well. Psoriasis is most common adults though children and teens can suffer from the condition as well.
Psoriasis can be very embarrassing-especially for teenagers-who are prone to avoiding social situations where their patches may show. However there are many treatment methods available which can help you to keep your psoriasis outbreaks and inflammation under control. Sometimes psoriasis can run in the family and is passed from parent to child. However the triggers are different for each person. If you are new to psoriasis you should start to take note of the times when your skin gets worse. For many people flare ups get worse due to dry skin or stress. Infections and cold climates can also cause increased flare ups. There are certain blood pressure medications which can make your condition worse or trigger a new outbreak. The condition is not contagious and therefore cannot be spread through touching.
The symptoms will appear in different manners. If you have a mild condition you might only see a slight rash. If you have a moderate or severe condition there may be raised red areas on your skin with silvery skin on top. In severe cases the skin is tender and itchy and the patches which form can be uncomfortable. Symptoms of psoriasis may go into remission without treatment and flare up again without warning. You can treat psoriasis in many fashions. One of the most basic is traditional skin care. This means keeping your skin moisturized using lotions. You can also use topical creams when you start to notice a flare up. These topical creams range in strength and are available over the counter or through a prescription. They often contain soothing vitamins and anti-inflammatory agents. You can try exposing the affected areas to sunlight or to UV light to help manage a flare up.
If you are suffering from psoriasis it is best to avoid skin injuries, stress, infections, alcohol, smoking, over exposure to sunlight, and certain medications such as beta-blockers. These items can all worsen your condition.
Never give up. Make the necessary changes in your lifestyle and continue on the journey to find the treatment for psoriasis that will work for you.

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