Psoriasis Research Paper

The Cause and Effects of Psoriasis Occasionally, the cause of psoriasis maybe unknown; and the cause and effects are dreadfully apparent. Psoriasis is defined as, a chronic inflammatory, systematic, autoimmune disease, which affects the skin (Ford and Schmitt 17). According to Naldi, it is currently incurable and can occur at any age (qtd. in Ford and Schmitt 17). Uhlenhake and Mehregan states, that around three percent of the American population is affected by this skin disease (1). It is normally characterized by scaly, itchy, thick raised patches throughout the body. Unfortunately, in some cases, psoriasis can be quite uncomfortable, embarrassing and annoying to its sufferers. Many factors to the skin disease contribute to the
generation of psoriatic lesions remain obscure (Schön and Henning 1). The cause of psoriasis can be vary; emotional stress, infection, certain medications, or immune system disorders. For example, certain medication such as: beta blockers, lithium, aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-malarial drugs, interferon drugs (to treat hepatitis C) and antibiotics such as amoxicillin can trigger the disease as well (Schön and Henning 1). Another contributing factor is genetics. In addition, examples of infections such as: streptococcal infections of the upper respiratory tract have long been recognized as triggers of psoriasis (Schön and Henning 1). Psoriasis can run in families for generations; skipping some family members. Schön and Henning states, the disease develops in as many as half of the siblings of individuals with psoriasis when both parents are affected, but prevalence falls to sixteen percent when only one parent has psoriasis and to eight percent when neither parent is affected (1). Lastly, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, too much sunlight, certain foods, lotions, the change in the weather temperatures and even soaps can cause a flare up. The effects of psoriasis can be detrimental to an individual’s everyday lifestyle.
Not only is it uncomfortable, it itches, oozes, turns red and/or silver; and in some cases hard to hide, which can be embarrassing. It can also be disfiguring to the skin, and hard to treat and control. The ethnicity of an individual along with the severity can determine how visible the disease is. In African Americans; the disease patches on the skin may be black or white. In Caucasian Americans, the patches may be red and silver. Regardless of what ethnicity an individual is, there will be visible disfigurement of the skin and hair loss as well. In perception after the fact, the patches are visibly unpleasant to some; however, an individual has the opportunity to live somewhat normal life. With the avoidance of certain foods, drugs and elements; and the proper medical treatment, the disease can be controlled. In spite of all the unsightly patches, they will subside within a few months. In conclusion, psoriasis is a disease that can be crippling to some. However, treatment and education today, makes it easier to treat and cope with. Psoriasis does not have to be a reason not to show some skin. The cause and effects of this disease does not have to
be a burden on individuals who suffer from it.

Works Cited
Schmitt, Jochen M., and Daniel E. Ford. "Role of Depression in Quality of Life for Patients with Psoriasis." Dermatology 215.1 (2007): 17-27. ProQuest. Web. 21 June 2013.
Schön, Michael,P., and W-Henning Boehncke. "Medical Progress: Psoriasis." The New England journal of medicine 352.18 (2005): 1899-912. ProQuest. Web. 21 June 2013.
Uhlenhake, Elizabeth E., and David A. Mehregan. "Managing Psoriasis: What 's Best For Your Patient?." Journal Of Family Practice 61.7 (2012): 402-451. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 June 2013.