Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition most often characterized by thick, red lesions covered in silvery scales called plaques. Plaques may occur anywhere on the body, and can range in severity from a few small spots to major eruptions covering large areas. Psoriasis often causes discomfort as the plaques can be very dry and itchy and are prone to cracking and bleeding. Because psoriasis can be visible to other people, it is difficult to deal with emotionally and can hurt a person’s self-esteem. There is as yet no cure, but knowing the facts about psoriasis is the first step towards getting your psoriasis under control so that you can reclaim your skin and your life.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not completely clear. It is generally thought to be an immunological condition in which a person’s white blood cells – called T-lympocytes or T-cells – mistakenly attack healthy skin cells in the same way they would to fight an infection or heal a wound. This causes the production of healthy skin cells, T-cells, and other white blood cells to increase so that new skin cells form on the outermost layer of skin, preventing dead skin and white blood cells from sloughing off normally. The resultant buildup of dead skin and white blood cells then forms the thick, scaly plaques on the skin’s surface.It is not known what exactly causes the T-cells to malfunction this way, but both genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Even though the root cause of psoriasis isn’t known, you may be able to identify certain triggers that worsen your psoriasis, and avoid these things. Common triggers may include:
Weather – cold, dry weather conditions, which can cause anyone’s skin to become dry, are often responsible for triggering flare-ups
Infections – psoriasis is often triggered by infections such as strep throat or tonsilitis and may be worse in persons who are HIV+
Medications – certain drugs have been known to cause or worsen psoriasis flare-ups: beta blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs, and others
Skin trauma – psoriasis may flare up as a result of even minor injury to the skin, this is called the Koebner phenomenon
Stress – emotional stress can worsen psoriasis; in turn, psoriasis can cause stress, creating a vicious cycle
Lifestyle habits – smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol may cause flare-ups

There are a few different approaches to treating psoriasis. Topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, are generally the first line of defense. Salycilic acid, retinoids, clobetasol, and liquid coal tar solutions are known to work well. If topical treatment does not provide sufficient relief, phototherapy and exposure to UVB rays in artificial or natural sunlight may help. For severe cases, systemic treatments and medications that target the immune system may be used.

Psoriasis affects many people, and can be devastating to deal with. But, with the proper treatment, psoriasis can be controlled. Help is available. Check 4rx.com for an affordable way to purchase Clobex.