Helpful Information About Psoriasis
Are you concerned about the red patches on your skin? If the patches are also accompanied by silvery scales, you might want to consider getting examined for a condition called psoriasis. A dermatologist can diagnosis the condition and determine how you should be treated. This article will discuss a few of the important things that you should know about psoriasis in case you have it.
1. The Cause of Psoriasis
Psoriasis has to do with your immune system reacting when it does not have to. Basically, the T lymphocyte cells overreact by mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. T cells are only supposed to react when a viral or bacterial infection is detected in your body. Due to the actions of the T cells, the immune system begins to respond by causing you to experience symptoms.
2. Symptoms That Might Develop
One of the symptoms that you can experience is skin cells developing faster than they should. For instance, the new skin cells make it to the surface of your body before old cells are able to shed away. You then end up with scaly patches of accumulated skin cells on your body. Your skin can become dry and cracked to the point of bleeding. Psoriasis can cause your joints to become swollen, and you might experience a lot of itching during flare-ups.
3. How a Diagnosis is Made
Getting diagnosed for psoriasis is not a lengthy task. A dermatologist will ask you questions about your overall medical history. He or she will also examine your skin and scalp. Your nails might also be examined to determine if they are pitted or thicker than normal. In some cases, a skin biopsy is done when making a psoriasis diagnosis, which can rule out other possible conditions.
4. Possible Ways to Treat Psoriasis
The main focus of treating psoriasis will be to regulate the production of skin cells, such as by prescribing a steroid ointment. A dermatologist can also prescribe an ointment that contains salicylic acid, which can promote dead skin cells to fall off of your body instead of accumulating. The specific type of treatment that you will need depends on the severity of the condition.
5. The Cost to Get Treated
If you have health insurance, psoriasis prescriptions are estimated at $5 or more. Getting treated without insurance coverage is estimated to cost $100 and up per month to keep the flare-ups under control. Make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as you can, or visit a site like http://ADCderm.com.
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