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Last Updated: Aug 6th, 2008 - 09:50:39 |
About psoriasis : Statistics
The numbers tell the story about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis : Frequently asked questions
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or the joints. It affects more than 4.5 million people in the United States. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, patches of skin called "lesions" become inflamed and are covered by silvery white scale. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however, for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and swelling. Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.
Psoriasis: More Than Cosmetic
Bird, 51, of suburban Boston, has had flare-ups of this chronic skin disease since she was a teen-ager. The dry, red, scaly patches of skin that characterize psoriasis have covered as much as 85 percent of her body, she says. "It alarms people. It looks very scary to people who don't know what it is."
Plaque psoriasis
Plaque [plak] psoriasis is the most prevalent form of the disease. About 80 percent of all those who have psoriasis have this form. Its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means common). It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, although it can occur on any area of the skin.
Questions and Answers about Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the United States population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people. Although the disease occurs in all age groups, it primarily affects adults.
Newly diagnosed with psoriasis?
If you've been told recently that you have psoriasis, you may feel a sense of relief from having a diagnosis. You may also feel some confusion and even anger. Your feelings are normal, and you are not alone.
Psoriatic arthritis treatment: Aspirin and NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as prescription products. The main purpose of these medications is to decrease inflammation, joint pain and stiffness.
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