Psoriasis

Hereditary factors play a major part in causing psoriasis. It can, of course, be triggered by a whole range of other factors.

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease manifested in the creation of red, flaky areas from which white flakes of skin peel off. Such conditions most commonly appear on the skin around large joints, such as the elbows and the knees, as well as in the hair and on other parts of the body. The actual joints might also be affected, the psoriasis within causing pain.

The disease usually first appears between the 10th and 13th year of life, but can break out at any age. Psoriasis significantly reduces the quality of life of the patient and his/her entire family. In fact in encroaches on practically all areas of life. There is physical pain, of course, and there are negative effects on the patient’s state of mind. Psoriasis is not known to be curable as yet due to its inate nature, but prevention and regular treatment can stabilise it and in many cases eliminate the symptoms over the long-term.

What causes psoriasis?

Hereditary factors play a major part in causing psoriasis. It can, of course, be triggered by a whole range of other factors, including long-term stress and exhaustion, infectious diseases and inflammations, hormonal influences, the use of certain medicines, poor lifestyle and the weakening of the immune system. Other illnesses, such as diabetes, gout, liver diseases or diseases of the upper respiratory tracts, can also trigger the disease.

Treating psoriasis

Treating and eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis are based on regular salving of the affected areas of skin. Creams, ointments, milks, solutions and gels that contain active ingredients such as ichthyol pale can all be used for treatment. Ichthyol pale helps slow down the flaking of the skin. Special solutions and shampoos are used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis in the hair.