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Psoriasis is an immune-mediated
disease which affects the skin and joints. When it affects the
skin it commonly appears as red scaly elevated patches called
plaques. Psoriasis plaques frequently occur on the elbows and
knees, but can affect any area of skin including the scalp and
genital area.
Psoriasis can vary in severity,
from minor localized patches to extensive or even complete skin
coverage. Fingernails and toenails are often affected (psoriatic
nail dystrophy). Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the
joints. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed
with psoriasis, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed
each year. An estimated 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis.
Is Psoriasis Gender Biased?
Psoriasis occurs about equally in males and females. Recent studies
show that there may be an ethnic link. It seems that psoriasis
is most common in Caucasians and slightly less common in African
Americans. Worldwide, psoriasis is most common in Scandinavia
and other parts of northern Europe. It appears to be far less
common among Asians and is rare in Native Americans.
There also is a genetic component
associated with psoriasis. Approximately one-third of people
who develop psoriasis have at least one family member with the
condition.
Research shows that the signs
and symptoms of psoriasis usually appear between 15 and 35 years
of age. About 75% develop psoriasis before age 40. However, it
is possible to develop psoriasis at any age. After age 40, a
peak onset period occurs between 50 and 60 years of age.
Childhood Psoriasis
About 1 in 10 people develop psoriasis during childhood, and
psoriasis can begin in infancy. The earlier the psoriasis appears,
the more likely it is to be widespread and recurrent.
There is growing emphasis on
quality of life research in all of medicine, and psoriasis impacts
on every dimension of health-related quality of life. In my patient
population, many of my patients are spending an hour a day taking
care of their psoriasis and are using numerous treatments. Psoriasis
treatment is costly, financially and psycologically.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis develops in roughly one million people across
the United States, and 5% to 10% experience some disability.
Psoriatic arthritis usually first appears between 30 and 50 years
of age, often months to years after skin lesions first occur.
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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