How Scratching Affects Psoriasis Development

Written on 2007-01-23 In Articles

Psoriasis Basics - Quality Of Life With Psoriasis

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How Scratching Affects Psoriasis Development

Articles 2007-01-23 by

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is more prevalent than most people think. In fact, approximately less than 3% of Americans are diagnosed to have psoriasis and thousands of new cases are expected to turn up every year. The causes for psoriasis are still undetermined; what they do know however is that for a person to develop psoriasis depends largely on several “triggers” such as stress, medication, and skin infections and injuries. Affected areas – referred to as plaques by dermatologists – often feel dry and hot, making suffering invidividuals feel the intense urge to scratch. Psoriasis can lead to more serious complications, however, if pruritus – or itching and scratching – isn’t controlled. [b]Possible Effects From Scratching[/b] Besides having more and worse problems with psoriasis, uncontrolled scratching may have other medical and non-medical effects on the affected individual: Addiction – Once you start scratching, it’s possible that you’ll never be able to stop. Consequently, the urge to scratch may become a condition that you won’t be able to resist indulging in. This addiction is also known as the itch-scratch cycle. Distraction – Scratching can occupy your whole mind to the point that it will distract you from accomplishing whatever your objectives are efficiently, thoroughly, and on time. Lack of Confidence – Individuals who scratch one time too often in public are often viewed as people with embarrassing hygiene problems. And since you can’t explain the reason why to each and every stranger seeing you scratching, your confidence might suffer when you’re the recipient of not-so-friendly looks. Relationship Problems – Constant scratching can irritate people around you such as your family, friends, and even your partner. Even though they know why you’re scratching, that doesn’t mean they have to understand and tolerate what you’re doing, especially since scratching isn’t at all advised in your condition. Skin Infection – Besides the development of new plaques in your head and body (referred to as the Koebner phenomenon), pruritus can also create openings in your body which may allow bacteria to come in and cause you to suffer from all sorts of infection. Temporary Measures to Keep from Scratching Yourself Out of Psoriasis Curing yourself out of the scratching symptoms of psoriasis is one that requires long-term treatment. If, however, you need to stop your fingers from clawing its way to your skin pronto, here’s what you should do: Using a Cold Compress – Place a cold compress or anything clean and intensely cold next to affected areas can succeed in keeping the urge to scratch at bay…for the time being. Topical Medications – Also known as topical steroids, this type of medication is usually the initial treatment you’ll receive from your physician for psoriasis. Some topical ointments are sold off the counter while a few may require you to have your doctor’s permission. When applied to affected areas, topical ointments can soothe away the burning sensation for a short period of time. As topical ointments vary greatly, it’s best that you consult your physician prior to trying anything so as to prevent yourself from having undesirable reactions to the treatment. Take a Bath – Taking a warm and soothing bath is usually effective for people who want to get rid of their scratching urges in an instant. Of course, stepping out of the tub may allow the irritating feeling to surge back after a few minutes. Skin Love – Taking care of your skin can also help relieve you from feeling scratching. Keeping your skin moisturized, for instance, will significantly reduce the burning and irritation. [b]What to Do to Stop Yourself from Scratching[/b] The best way to get rid of your scratching and itching problems is to solve the root problem itself: psoriasis. If you’re able to treat psoriasis effectively, there’ll be no reason why you’ll feel the need to scratch because there IS nothing to scratch! Methrotrexate – This particular medication can either be taken orally in pill or liquid form or intravenously. Caution must be exercised however as this drug can cause liver or bone trouble. UVB Photography – UVB light is used to eliminate visible effects of psoriasis. To avail of this treatment, a person may have to spend approximately half an hour in a life booth and attend as much as thirty sessions. Psoriasis may be a lifelong condition and without cure, but this doesn’t mean it can’t be managed effectively. Having a healthy lifestyle, a cheerful disposition, and continuous medication can go a long way in relieving you from psoriasis trouble…and scratching.... Read more...

Psoriasis Basics - Quality Of Life With Psoriasis

Articles 2007-01-09 by

Though neither contagious nor a threat to life, Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that flares and remits throughout the life span of its victim. The inflammatory skin condition is triggered off by faulty signals in the immune system. Psoriasis occurs when some of the white blood cells cause the body to fight the normal skin-tissue (and sometimes the joints). Most common symptoms of Psoriasis encompass patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale, as well as, burning sensation, irritation, inflammation, itching and bleeding. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult. The inflammation is caused by the abnormal discharge of "healing" chemicals by the white blood cells. The red and flaky patches mostly appear on scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is not taken as a serious ailment as it is not life threatening to the victim. Nevertheless, being inflicted with Psoriasis has extremely serious repercussions on the patient's quality of life. To begin with, Psoriasis is a chronic disease. This means that it is a lifelong condition because currently there is no cure. Under the circumstances, a patient of Psoriasis struggles helplessly all his life without any respite. According to a study, the patients of Psoriasis considered the general appearance of their skin to be the worst part of having the disease. Another study revealed that the patients found itching and scaling especially agonizing.. No doubt, the patients of Psoriasis are therefore seen depressed, angry and irritated both during flares and remissions. The incessant itching, scaling, irritation and inflammation keeps them arrested in negativity and disinterest. Apart from the piercing physical pain and irritation, patients of the skin disorder undergo an emotional trauma on daily basis. They become reclusive as they experience low self-esteem and lack of confidence. They feel dejected, as the response from the society is disdainful. So much so that many patients, especially men take up heavy smoking and intake of alcohol, to relieve themselves from the emotional torture. However, experts relate smoking and drinking to be one of the possible reasons for the onset of this skin disease. The society fails to realize the pain behind the dejected faces, going through an ugly experience. Most of the people who meet them look down upon their miserable physical appearance without empathy. The feeling of social rejection keeps strengthening within the victim.. A study reveals that most of the patients of Psoriasis experienced stress due to reaction of others to their sorry physical state. It has also been observed that most of the people suffering from Psoriasis suffer from sexual recession because of the painful realization of their physical symptoms. In a nutshell, the irritating skin condition called Psoriasis brings down the quality of life of its patients considerably. They are deprived of their social, emotional and physical well-being and robbed off their rightful happiness.... Read more...