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What are the Stats on Psoriasis?
It is estimated that about 2.2
percent of American adults have been diagnosed with psoriasis,
confirming that psoriasis is a common disease.1
11 percent of those diagnosed
with psoriasis have also been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
This is a prevalence of 0.25 percent of American adults in the
general population.
Psoriasis prevalence in African
Americans was 1.3 percent compared to 2.5 percent of Caucasians.
The prevalence of psoriasis in
Western populations is estimated to be around 2-3%. It affects
both sexes equally and occurs at all ages.
And What Causes Psoriasis?
Several factors are thought to
aggravate psoriasis. These include stress and excessive alcohol
consumption. Individuals with psoriasis may also suffer from
depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life
is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease.
There are many treatments available but because of its chronic
recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.
Plaque Psoriasis
About 80% of people living with
psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which also is called "psoriasis
vulgaris." "Vulgaris" means "common."
How to recognize Plaque Psoriasis:
1. Raised and thickened patches
of reddish skin, called "plaques," which are covered
by silvery-white scales.
2. Plaques most often appear
on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back. However,
they can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.
3. Plaques vary in size and can
appear as distinct patches or join together to cover a large
area.
In the early stages, the psoriasis
may be unnoticeable. The skin may itch and/or a burning sensation
may be present.
Plaque psoriasis usually first
appears as small red bumps. Bumps gradually enlarge, and scales
form. While the top scales flake off easily and often, scales
below the surface stick together. The small red bumps develop
into plaques (reddish areas of raised and thickened skin).
Now that you know abit more about
psoriasis, we urge you to find out more about this!
About the author: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition
and CAN be cured! We urge you to find out more about Psoriasis
at http://Psoriasis.eask.info
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