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Psoriasis is a skin inflammation caused when your body has an overactive immune system.
This skin inflammation can present itself in the form of red patches of skin. These patches can be itchy, scaly, and silvery in appearance. These red patches can be intensely itchy. Those individuals diagnosed with psoriasis arthritis experience joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.
If your doctor diagnoses you with a skin condition called “Psoriasis,” you may have one of the five types of psoriasis such as plaque, guttate, inverse, or pustular Erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis that affects upwards of 80 to 90 percent of the American populace.
The kind of psoriasis you have determines the type of treatment the doctor says is the correct treatment for you.
Where Does Psoriasis Commonly Attack the Skin?
Psoriasis commonly attacks skin areas that you do not usually cover with clothing such as,
- Scalp
- Neck
- Elbows
- Knees
- Lower Back
These areas of skin inflammation frequently come under the scrutiny of other people who simply do not know about psoriasis.
Your primary doctor can give you the diagnosis of psoriasis, but may refer you to a dermatologist so you can have the benefit of the most current and up-to-date treatment options.
Your particular type of psoriasis demands a specific kind of therapy, and this is up to your doctor. Your responsibility is to follow your treatment plan and report back to your doctor any improvements, increased skin problems, and noted treatment side effects.
Other People Can Be Cruel
If you have psoriasis, you may have experienced strange looks from people who are uneducated in your diagnosis. Many people think that you have something contagious, not getting too close for fear of catching your skin condition. Constantly educate those less informed individuals and never let someone’s lack of knowledge impact your life.
Some Treatment Option Available
Your doctor will take a history from you to help determine why this problem arose. The doctor may pinpoint certain triggers such as stress, insomnia, or diet. Triggers demand an individual treatment as much as the diagnosis itself.
Your doctor may recommend that you use a particular skin moisturizer to decrease skin dryness and irritation. These moisturizers can be over-the-counter or require a prescription. Many doctors find that the use of steroid creams like a cortisone cream helps to reduce the appearance of psoriasis.
Some simple treatments like vitamin D creams or some topical contribute to lessening the rate of inflammation by reducing skin cell growth.
Scalp psoriasis may require a special hair cream or shampoo. Light therapy is a proven effective treatment for some people when used on inflamed skin areas. Doctors frequently combine known and effective treatments together.
What you need to remember is that everyone reacts differently to the diagnosis of psoriasis and the treatment options available. The length of time it takes to see improvements also varies because everyone’s body is different
In Conclusion
If you have psoriasis, no matter what type, you know that it can cause you mental anguish, anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, time off from work, and isolation. And, unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis, but you can keep this skin condition at bay by working with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for your body.
Also, not following your appointed treatment regimen can cause secondary infections, health problems, and escalating health care costs.
It is vital to follow your doctor’s orders so that you can see a decrease in your skin problems. You can live a healthy life, enjoying your life to the fullest with your psoriasis diagnosis.