Psoriasis Vulgaris, more commonly known as psoriasis, is an immune-mediated chronic disease that affects more than 3% of America’s adult population, which is more than 7.5 million adults, as stated by the National Psoriasis Foundation. The Mayo Clinic states that psoriasis causes patches of skin to become scaly and/or inflamed usually through cycles. These patches of skin are usually located on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, scalp, eyelids, and/or trunk. This disease can affect anybody of any age, however, it is most common to start between the ages of 15 and 25. There are five types of psoriasis that can affect virtually anyone and it is entirely possible to have more than one of these psoriasis at a time. The five different kinds of Psoriasis are Plaque Psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis, Inverse Psoriasis, and Erythrodermic Psoriasis. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, some common symptoms include but are not excluded to poor sleep, thick ridged nails, dry cracked skin that bleeds, and/or patches of thick red skin that itchs or burns; typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet.
As for what can trigger this difficult disease, scientists do not fully understand what the root cause is. However, they know it involves a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Additionally, some outside factors may put one at more risk of developing psoriasis; such as infections (streptococcal and HIV infections), drugs that treat heart disease, malaria, or mental health problems, smoking, and/or obesity. This disease can also put you at risk of getting other detrimental conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, heart attacks or strokes, mental health issues, certain cancers, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver or kidney disease, osteoporosis, or uveitis.
Through these descriptions, it is clear that this disease has a great ability to negatively impact lives. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Psoriasis. However, the National Psoriasis Foundation states that there are effective treatments today that can help improve symptoms and also lower the risk of contracting the previously stated outside risks. Some majorly known treatments that the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends include the use of topicals, phototherapy, systemic, and complementary and integrative medicine. However, a majority of these require patients to have some sort of access to a dermatologist or a medical professional; which is not possible for every person who is impacted by this disease. Some at-home remedies the Cleveland Clinic recommends are Epsom salt or oatmeal baths, salicylic acid cleansers, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and cortisone/hydrocortisone.
Works Cited
“14 Natural and Home Remedies for Psoriasis.” Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/home-remedies-for-psoriasis. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Branch, NIAMS Science Communications and Outreach. “Psoriasis.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 12 Apr. 2017, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis.
“Psoriasis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Psoriasis Causes, Triggers, and Treatments: What Is Psoriasis? https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
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