There are many skin conditions affecting humans, but one skin disorder whose exact cause is unknown is psoriasis. Up to this day, there is no definite explanation why this condition comes out. People with raised, red patches of skin on the knees or elbows have psoriasis. These red patches also have loose and silvery scales.The exact cause of this chronic skin condition still baffles scientists.

Some believe that it is inherited, thus if your parents have psoriasis then there’s a good chance you will have it as well. Statistics back up this claim, as one out of three people with psoriasis also have at least one family member with the same condition. Some doctors also say that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system. But this condition is not contagious. Don’t worry if you were in contact with a person with psoriasis, as the ailment cannot spread by touch. Still, psoriasis is widespread in the United States with approximately 1.5 million Americans afflicted with it.

Symptoms

Psoriasis is characterized by bright red, raised patches on the skin. These can occur on any part of the body, but it is in the knees, elbows, hands and feet where the patches most commonly appear. The patches are usually covered with silvery scales, which can bleed when picked or scraped off.

The psoriasis patches may exhibit signs of mild scaling. There is itching felt in these patches, particularly during flare-ups or when the patches are under the breasts or buttocks. People with psoriasis also have nail disorders typified by tiny pits, yellowish discoloration of the fingernails and toenails. There is also a noticeable separation of the end of the nail and build-up of skin debris under the nails.

Contributing factors

Some factors may make the symptoms of psoriasis worse, or make it recurring. For example, cold and dry weather can contribute to the worsening of the condition. People with psoriasis are advised to stay in a hot weather area so that their symptoms will improve. Skin injury can also make the patches occur anywhere on the body, especially on the area of the injury. People who hurt their nails while trimming their nails may be at risk of developing patches in that part of the body. Stress can also push the flare-up of psoriasis patches, or make the symptoms worse. Certain infections like strep throat can also influence psoriasis flare-up, as well as certain medicines like NSAIDs and beta-blockers.

Treatment

While there is no treatment for psoriasis, certain drugs can help in clearing the skin and making the patch less embarrassing. One of these drugs is Enbrel, a prescription medicine which is self-injected. This biologic drug blocks the activity of the tumor necrosis factor, the inflammatory proteins that cause skin cell growth. By doing so, Enbrel slows down the growth of the skin cells before the plaques appear on the skin. But since this medication also works on the immune system, there is a risk that using the drug can lower the body’s ability to fight off infections. Other side effects of Enbrel include confusion, chest pain, depression, fainting and fever.