One of the common skin-related problems is known as Psoriasis where the skin cells grow too fast and then causing red patches on the infected area and sometimes thick and silvery as well.
Under normal circumstances, skin cells grow and flake off gradually in a 4-week cycle with new skin cells growing to replace those that have been shed off.
It is when the new skin cells grow too quickly that it covered the old which has yet to be flaked off. This then becomes plaques (thick patches). This condition however is not contagious which means it cannot be spread through touch.
Prevalence
Psoriasis is very common among adults, especially those in the late 20s and mid-30s. However, it has been found that children and teenagers (later stages) are starting to experience psoriasis as well. The most common places that this condition happen is usually in the hands, feet, lower back and the knees.
Prevention
Preventing Psoriasis involves checking your hygiene practices. Use moisturizers for your skin and ensure that you practice good skin and scalp health to avoid hair loss. Cold climates are known to lead to this problem and you should use a humidifier in your space. Certain medications like lithium and propranolol are known to cause flare-ups and you should minimize those.
Diagnosis
In most cases, your doctor will check your medical history and an external examination on your skin, nails and scalp will determine if you have this problem. A small sample might be taken for further examination.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Psoriasis ranges from mild to serious where it can be a minor rash while your skin could get inflamed and forming large, red patches. In some situations, it could cause swollen and painful conditions or lead to psoriatic arthritis when it attacks the joints.
Specialists
Your family physician should be the first person to see if you have minor rashes. You could be referred to the dermatologist or skin doctor if the condition is more severe while the rheumatologist will be called if your joints are affected.
Medication
Over-the-counter medicine like corticosteroid and anti-rash creams are available for treating mild psoriasis and other skin conditions. In more serious conditions, your doctor might have to prescribe a Vitamin D-related medication like calcipotriene, anthralin or tars for further treatment.
Recent Methods in Treating Psoriasis
In recent studies, Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with causing psoriasis. As Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight, direct exposure will help the body to absorb more of this vitamin. As such, it is very crucial to check your vitamin D level regularly.
Home Remedies
One of the best home remedies used to treat psoriasis is fish oil. You should take several servings of fish each week which are rich with omega-3 fatty acids like tuna and salmon as they are known to reduce inflammation in the body. Besides that, you can practice a gluten-free diet as foods like rye and wheat can encourage inflammation.