PSORIASIS
DEFINITION |
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Psoriasis is a chronic recurring inflammatory disease mainly
affecting the skin. It occurs due to the overproduction of skin
cells. Normally, new cells are formed in the lower layer of the skin
and move up to the top layer over a period of 28 days. In psoriasis
this process is shortened to 4-5 days. The rate of production is
even faster in areas covered with psoriatic plaques or patches.
Psoriasis is
characterised by well defined, raised skin lesions. The lesions are
salmon pink or bright red in colour and are covered in silvery
scales that can be removed easily, often leaving a bleeding point.
Scratching will produce scaling if the scaling is not obvious.
Around 2 percent of
the population have some degree of psoriasis. The disease ranges
from extremely mild to severe and, in extreme cases, it can be
potentially life threatening.
Psoriasis can
develop at any age but onset occurs most commonly between 15 - 25
years or 40 - 45 years.
Males and females are
affected equally. |
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| PSORIASIS RELATED ITEMS |
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