Discover the psoriasis reality on common myths or paradoxes on this skin concern. It’s not surprising to learn there are many myths about psoriasis since it is widely misunderstood. The following are a few truths about the reality of psoriasis:
Myth #1: Psoriasis is a severe form of topical dermatitis.
In reality psoriasis isn’t a skin rash but rather an autoimmune disease involving a chronic skin condition. Psoriasis causes skin cells to reproduce at rates exceedingly faster than normal creating excessive amounts of skin cells. Normal skin cells mature every 28 to 30 days and then naturally shed from the outer or top surface of the skin. Psoriasis on the other hand speeds this process with skin cells maturing in only 3 to 4 days, thus piling up on the surface in layers of dead skin called plaques.
Myth #2: Psoriasis is an inherited disease.
The reality of psoriasis is although many cases are directly linked to genetic factors, other known triggers of psoriasis have been traced to infection, traumatic injury, immunizations, physical or psychological stress, and drug treatments.
Myth #3: Psoriasis is always diagnosed as having visible silver or red scaly plaques covering the skin.
In darker-complexion skin types; such as African-Americans psoriasis plaques often appear the same color as the rest of the skin. The most effective and accurate method of diagnosing psoriasis is to have a medical biopsy of the skin plaques. Another significant indication of psoriasis is the surface condition of fingernails and toenails displaying pits.
Myth #4: Psoriasis can’t be treated effectively.
The reality of treating psoriasis is although at present psoriasis is without a cure, psoriasis does respond well to treatment plans modified specifically for the type of psoriasis, location of flares, and the severity of outbreaks.
Direct exposure to sunlight in limited doses is known to clear many mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. And an alternative to natural sunlight is ultraviolet phototherapy. Cases of moderate to severe psoriasis require supervised care from dermatologists prescribing stronger medications such as retinoids to help manage skin irritation. Along with topical, light and medicinal treatments psoriasis symptoms can be better managed with healthy lifestyles that include proper dietary intake and limited daily stress.
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Tags: chronic illness, emotional effects psoriasis, living with psoriasis, Myths, Psoriasis and Treatment, psoriasis flare ups, psoriasis treatment, skin zinc
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