PsoriasisPsoriasis

What is psoriasis?What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious genetic Psoriasis is a non-contagious genetic disease caused by the immune system disease caused by the immune system which effects the skin and joints.which effects the skin and joints.

In plaque psoriasis, the most common In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, lesions become inflamed and get type, lesions become inflamed and get covered with a silvery patch.covered with a silvery patch.

Although the severity can vary, in most Although the severity can vary, in most people it is mild.people it is mild.

The areas affected by psoriasis often itch.The areas affected by psoriasis often itch.

What causes psoriasis?What causes psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed that genetics may be an important believed that genetics may be an important factor.factor.

Some believe that the immune system is Some believe that the immune system is accidentally activated causing the skin cells accidentally activated causing the skin cells to mature much faster than normal skin cells.to mature much faster than normal skin cells.

The skin cells mature in 3-4 days, and move The skin cells mature in 3-4 days, and move to the surface of the skin but never fall off, to the surface of the skin but never fall off, they just pile up forming lesions.they just pile up forming lesions.

Cures and treatments for Cures and treatments for psoriasis.psoriasis.

There is no cure, but there are topical There is no cure, but there are topical and systemic treatments which work and systemic treatments which work differently for different people.differently for different people.

No single treatment works for everyone, No single treatment works for everyone, it’s important to try anything your doctor it’s important to try anything your doctor is willing to prescribe.is willing to prescribe.

Other informationOther information

Psoriasis usually shows up on people ages 15-Psoriasis usually shows up on people ages 15-35.35.

It is equally common in men and women.It is equally common in men and women. It can lead to infection, fluid loss, and poor It can lead to infection, fluid loss, and poor

circulation.circulation. Psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis which Psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis which

causes the joints and skin around them to causes the joints and skin around them to become stiff.become stiff.

Triggers of psoriasis are: emotional stress, Triggers of psoriasis are: emotional stress, injury to the skin, infections, and reactions to injury to the skin, infections, and reactions to certain drugs.certain drugs.

SourcesSources

www.psoriasis-healing.com/ (picture of www.psoriasis-healing.com/ (picture of young boys face)young boys face)

www.monpso.net/pso_images/www.monpso.net/pso_images/coude_1_big.jpg (picture of elbows)coude_1_big.jpg (picture of elbows)

www.www.psoriasispsoriasis.org/ (information).org/ (information) Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training

written by William E. Prentice, 12written by William E. Prentice, 12thth Edition ( some additional information)Edition ( some additional information)