It's red and sometimes itchy, and can be covered with silver or whitish scales (which are sometimes called psoriatic plaques). Normally it only affects certain areas of the body and the size of the area can vary, though all normally have a very definite border. It's especially common on the elbows and knees, on the lower back and on the scalp. Sometimes the psoriatic plaque disappears on its own. Psoriasis can also affect the joints (i.e. psoriatic arthritis).
Historical
When looked at in a historical context, psoriasis can be thought of as a relatively new skin disease. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) documented treating a scaly skin condition which was likely psoriasis.
Medical
Psoriasis is also the medical name for the condition, a term derived from the Greek word psora (meaning itch or scratch). The word can also be used to describe mange or scabies. Due to this catch-all definition (especially as it generally referred to the formation of plaque) psoriasis was thought to be caused by ectoparasites, or was sometimes categorised with conditions such as leprosy. It's quite likely that during the middle ages, many who were diagnoses with leprosy actually suffered with psoriasis. Even today chronic psoriasis can severely limit one's quality of life, as although the skin condition is not at all contagious, the sufferers are often stigmatised due to the odd appearance of the skin.
Chemical
The fact is that psoriasis is a common inflammation of the skin which has its origin in the immune system (i.e. an autoimmune response). It can have a genetic component and is sometimes brought on by certain risk factors. The metabolism of fumaric acid plays a central role in the progression of the skin condition, as does the excessive activity of a particular kind of white blood cell (lymphocyte) known as a T cell.
The fumaric acid is produced by the kidneys and is recognised to be cancerous. It plays a role in cell content regulation and also the lifespan of the cell. If the fumaric acid level in the cell is insufficient or irregular, cell growth goes unchecked. For the keratin cells which are present in the surface of the skin, that can mean a very rapid regeneration requiring only 3.5 days – the cell division occurs too quickly. An immune reaction having to do with the T cells can accompany this errant skin function. Here the no longer functional skin cells on the surface are not sloughed off and so they accumulate – this is the psoriatic thickening of the skin, the plaque so well known to those who suffer with the skin disease.
Diagnosis
The progression of psoriasis varies from individual to individual, though it almost always occurs in phases. It's common that the skin condition worsens in the fall and spring. Occasionally the condition spontaneously resolves itself. Psoriasis can occur only once, though most often it is a chronic condition.
Usually psoriasis is diagnosed by a doctor based on the presence of the psoriatic plaque, an easily recognised change in the quality of the skin. In addition the appearance of the skin is different due to itching and the resulting injuries, and a peculiar pinpoint bleeding when the affected skin is scraped.
If the symptoms of the psoriasis are very mild it can be quite difficult to diagnose. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as eczema, fungal infection (i.e. mycosis), lichen planus, pityriasis rubra pilaris or syphilis.
Psoriatic arthritis is also difficult to differentiate from other acute or chronic joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. This is especially true when the skin is not affected by the tell-tale plaque. Blood tests and x-rays can be helpful in diagnosing this type of arthritis.
The recommendations of fangocur for the treatment of psoriasis
A purely medication-based therapy is still very common today. We recommend a more comprehensive treatment plan, one that includes natural remedies. If this more holistic sort of treatment is not successful, small-dose medications can be added to supplement the natural treatment. Medication should not be the only therapy used.
The treatment of psoriasis should begin with an evaluation of one's lifestyle – changes can be gleaned from such an analysis. We recommend our Success Plan as a comprehensive therapy for psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis) which includes the Curative Mineral Mask and the Mineral Drink. Both are important in healing the condition. Along with this combination treatment, the Curative Mineral Soap is the optimal way to gently clean your skin every day. Unlike normal soaps and shower gels, it's natural and free of harsh chemical additives that may irritate the skin.
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