PSORIASIS
Psoriasis affects an estimated 1.2 million people in the UK, but many people know very little about it and what they think they know about it is often based on myth and misunderstanding.
The condition of psoriasis occurs when skin replaces itself too quickly. Normally, skin cells turnover is around twent eight days. However, when someone has psoriasis new skin cells appear in just four days. It's this rapid turnover of cells that causes the characteristic red scaly patches, topped with slivery scales to form on the skin. Most often the patches appear on the elbow, knees and scalp but they can appear anywhere on the body.
Itching and discomfort are a common problem for those with psoriasis. The word psoriasis comes from the Greek word psora meaning "itch". Many are embarassed about how their skin looks so will not expose it.
It's not clear what causes psoriasis. It can run in families and often follows infections, periods of stress or anything that damages the skin. Although it can't be cured psoriasis can be kept under control with creams or ointments.
Certain myths exist about psoriasis which are simply not true. For example, it is not contagious, it is not caused by poor hygiene and is actually very common.
Some people keep their psoriasis under control with acupuncture, homeopathy or herbal therapy. Zinc and essential fatty acids can also help.
Psoriasis affects an estimated 1.2 million people in the UK, but many people know very little about it and what they think they know about it is often based on myth and misunderstanding.
The condition of psoriasis occurs when skin replaces itself too quickly. Normally, skin cells turnover is around twent eight days. However, when someone has psoriasis new skin cells appear in just four days. It's this rapid turnover of cells that causes the characteristic red scaly patches, topped with slivery scales to form on the skin. Most often the patches appear on the elbow, knees and scalp but they can appear anywhere on the body.
Itching and discomfort are a common problem for those with psoriasis. The word psoriasis comes from the Greek word psora meaning "itch". Many are embarassed about how their skin looks so will not expose it.
It's not clear what causes psoriasis. It can run in families and often follows infections, periods of stress or anything that damages the skin. Although it can't be cured psoriasis can be kept under control with creams or ointments.
Certain myths exist about psoriasis which are simply not true. For example, it is not contagious, it is not caused by poor hygiene and is actually very common.
Some people keep their psoriasis under control with acupuncture, homeopathy or herbal therapy. Zinc and essential fatty acids can also help.
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