Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that results when new skin cells are produced 7 to 10 times faster than normal, but the rate at which they die and are sloughed off remains normal. This results in an abnormal build up of skin. Psoriasis attacks are unpredictable. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but at least 30 percent of people with this disease report a family history of it.
Psoriasis causes thick, red patches on the body with a covering of flaky, silvery scales.
It may also involve swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is especially helpful to moisturize the skin immediately after bathing to seal in moisture, avoid using perfumed or deodorant soaps, which dry the skin. Instead, use super-fatted soaps such as dove or neutrogena to increase skin moisture, rinse well after bathing to remove soap residue, use a steam humidifier , making sure to follow the use and maintenance instructions on the humidifier to avoid injury from misuse. avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, limit alcohol intake and acidic foods like coffee, soda, tomatoes and pineapples, be careful to avoid scratches and skin irritations, don't wear tight clothing, reduce daily stress levels, get plenty of exercise, lose weight, if you are overweight, and eat a balanced diet. A low-fat diet including wheat germ, olive oil or sunflower seed oil may help. If you do have psoriasis, while there is no known cure, relief is usually available through medical treatments, which may include oral medication or a variety of prescription skin treatments.