Psoriasis is a skin disease that can be somewhat unbearable to deal with, just because of the unsightly lesions it creates on the skin. Reality TV enthusiasts may remember a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians where Kim discovered that she had psoriasis. This isn't a rare disease per se, but it can be somewhat hard to identify because it looks like several other skin conditions. If you are learning how to become a medical examiner, you may need to know what to look for in this condition. The information below provides an overview of what goes into diagnosing and treating psoriasis, in case you come across it in the future.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues causing skin plaques or scaling. It manifests itself on many parts of the body, most notably the elbows, knees and ankles. There is no cure for the condition, but early treatment with different skin salves, special tar soaps and ultraviolet light lessen the effects of the condition. Scientists are trying to find a cure at this time.
Along with this skin condition, another complication can result: psoriatic arthritis. The condition affects men and women equally, usually between the ages of 30 to 50 although it could be at any age. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, the manifestation of the psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune condition, causing joint pain, stiffening of ligaments and tendons, and even affecting internal organs. The arthritic condition is similar to rheumatoid arthritis and is often mistakenly diagnosed as such. However, making your health professional aware of a history of psoriasis often yields the correct diagnoses.
Sufferers of psoriatic arthritis find themselves requiring treatment for not one condition, but two. Treating the skin condition becomes a secondary concern to alleviating the pain, stiffness and inflammation of the arthritic manifestation. Early detection and treatment can lessen the ill effects of the disease, allowing continued treatment of the skin condition. When the psoriasis sufferer begins to feel the pain and stiffness that is common with arthritis, it is important to consult a qualified health professional for consultation and treatment in order to maintain a lifestyle free of the debilitating effects of psoriatic arthritis.
As with other forms of arthritis, different treatment options are available and suggested on a case by case basis, depending on the severity of symptoms and incapacitation. Active exercise programs for mild effects can give back flexibility and lessened discomfort, and passive exercises (when the therapist does the movements for you) helps to stretch and strengthen weakened muscles, ligaments and tendons, restoring flexibility and allowing more range of motion. Keep in mind that the more a muscle is used, the healthier it is. Circulation is increased, providing nutrients and oxygen to the muscles in order to decrease the effects of psoriatic arthritis. Therapeutic massage and applications of hot and cold packs also help to loosen tighten muscles that result from the condition.
Only your health professional can diagnose psoriatic arthritis, using a combination of testing techniques with knowledge of your medical history. It may take several visits for testing to reach a definitive diagnosis and arrange for the proper treatment, whether it requires medications or simply therapy and teaching in the management of the condition. For prevention, daily exercise, a diet with appropriate nutrition and dietary supplements such as glucosamine may help. Consulting your health professional for advice will provide more information.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues causing skin plaques or scaling. It manifests itself on many parts of the body, most notably the elbows, knees and ankles. There is no cure for the condition, but early treatment with different skin salves, special tar soaps and ultraviolet light lessen the effects of the condition. Scientists are trying to find a cure at this time.
Along with this skin condition, another complication can result: psoriatic arthritis. The condition affects men and women equally, usually between the ages of 30 to 50 although it could be at any age. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, the manifestation of the psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune condition, causing joint pain, stiffening of ligaments and tendons, and even affecting internal organs. The arthritic condition is similar to rheumatoid arthritis and is often mistakenly diagnosed as such. However, making your health professional aware of a history of psoriasis often yields the correct diagnoses.
Sufferers of psoriatic arthritis find themselves requiring treatment for not one condition, but two. Treating the skin condition becomes a secondary concern to alleviating the pain, stiffness and inflammation of the arthritic manifestation. Early detection and treatment can lessen the ill effects of the disease, allowing continued treatment of the skin condition. When the psoriasis sufferer begins to feel the pain and stiffness that is common with arthritis, it is important to consult a qualified health professional for consultation and treatment in order to maintain a lifestyle free of the debilitating effects of psoriatic arthritis.
As with other forms of arthritis, different treatment options are available and suggested on a case by case basis, depending on the severity of symptoms and incapacitation. Active exercise programs for mild effects can give back flexibility and lessened discomfort, and passive exercises (when the therapist does the movements for you) helps to stretch and strengthen weakened muscles, ligaments and tendons, restoring flexibility and allowing more range of motion. Keep in mind that the more a muscle is used, the healthier it is. Circulation is increased, providing nutrients and oxygen to the muscles in order to decrease the effects of psoriatic arthritis. Therapeutic massage and applications of hot and cold packs also help to loosen tighten muscles that result from the condition.
Only your health professional can diagnose psoriatic arthritis, using a combination of testing techniques with knowledge of your medical history. It may take several visits for testing to reach a definitive diagnosis and arrange for the proper treatment, whether it requires medications or simply therapy and teaching in the management of the condition. For prevention, daily exercise, a diet with appropriate nutrition and dietary supplements such as glucosamine may help. Consulting your health professional for advice will provide more information.
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