Psoriasis, a non-contagious skin disease, is frequently seen on the limbs and even the scalp, and it can affect joints as well. It is categorized medically as mild, moderate or severe, depending on the degree of redness and the amount of the body surface area it covers.
Up to 125 million people have some form of psoriasis. Males and females are equally affected and it can show up at any time during your lifespan. It is most commonly diagnosed between ages 15-35. There is research showing that genes do play a part in the disease and that a person is born genetically predisposed to having psoriasis.
The question of psoriasis versus eczema shows that these separate skin issues seem to be mutually exclusive to a point, though not always. For people with psoriasis, the amount having contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis seems to be lower than with the general public. A suggested reason is that the immune system issue believed to play a part in psoriasis is not the same as that in eczema.
Look for these signs:
*lesions with well-defined borders
*red patches with silvery scales that flake off easily
*nails that are pitted, have deep ridges or are thickened
* a crust on the scalp
*take note of stiff or swollen joints
In part 3 of our psoriasis series we will at treatments and coping.
Wishing you the Best,
Laura
