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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPsoriasis is a condition that is characterized by raised,\nred scaly patches. It is often found on\nthe scalp, knees and elbows, but can show up on other parts of the body as well\nof people who have the disease. The exact cause is not known but there is a\ncorrelation between genetics and also the body\u2019s immune system. Psoriasis is a\ncondition where the skin cells multiply at a faster rate than normal cells.\nThis causes a buildup up skin lesions and the area of the body also feels\nwarmer because it contains more blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psoriasis is not contagious so it does not get passed by\ncoming in to contact with a person who has it. It is a condition that affects\nmen and women equally and it can develop\nat any age, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common signs of psoriasis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- red patches of skin with thick silvery scales<\/li>
- cracked and dry skin that may bleed<\/li>
- stiff joints that may be swollen<\/li>
- itching, burning and soreness<\/li>
- nails that are pitted, thick and ridged<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are certain risk factors for developing\npsoriasis. This includes stress,\nsmoking, obesity, alcoholism, skin infections, a vitamin D deficiency, and a\nfamily history. Psoriasis is diagnosed by examining the skin and making a\ndiagnosis. A dermatologist will be able to determine if it is psoriasis by the\namount of thickness and redness it has. There are different types of psoriasis\nand they are classified by how they show up on the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three ways that treatment for psoriasis can be\napproached. They can be used by themselves or together, depending on the\nseverity. Topical creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids are usually\nthe most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate conditions. Light\ntherapy that is either natural or artificial ultraviolet light can be used and it is directed at the area of\nthe body that is affected. In severe cases, medications that are either\ninjected or taken orally may be required. There are also alternative treatments\nthat are being used and this includes Aloe vera which comes from a plant\nand omega-3 fatty acids that comes from\nfish oils. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the severity of the disease, it may have an\nimpact on a person\u2019s quality of life. If you would like to schedule an\nappointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital for any type of skin\ncondition, please call 718-206-7001.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Psoriasis Psoriasis is a condition that is characterized by raised, red scaly patches. It is often found on the scalp, knees and elbows, but can show up on other parts of the body as well of people who have the … Continue reading