The most commonly experienced type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which is what most people think of when conjuring up images of this unfortunate condition. This is a strain that commonly affects men and women equally, as well as people of all ages, from children to adults. Most will experience it for the first time in their early adulthood, between the ages of 16 and 22. They then can expect it to flare up again throughout their lifetime, as unfortunately there is no cure at this time. As anyone who has dealt with this disorder knows, however, there are certainly treatments available to lessen the impact of the symptoms and make life more comfortable.
Some of the causes or triggers of plaque psoriasis can include common lifestyle choices including sun exposure, alcoholism, or cigarette smoking. This is a hereditary disease, not one that is contagious. By avoiding these known triggers, it’s possible to reduce the incidence of outbreaks. These are only a few of the causes, however, and there are other reasons why a person may be afflicted with this form of psoriasis. Up to 55 million people are currently infected, with the reasons being many, but for most, the main cause is heredity.
Plaque psoriasis affects the immune system, and though it can remain dormant throughout a person’s lifetime, it never really goes away. Researchers have learned that in those people who have this type of psoriasis, the T cells that are a normal part of the immune system misfire and can trigger inflammation of the skin, which is a common symptom. While this isn’t a constant occurrence, it does lead to the types of symptoms including a silver scaly rash that are associated with this disorder.
The best way to avoid flare-ups if you have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis is to avoid the common triggers that have been outlined above. These include alcohol and cigarettes, but can also encompass more emotional triggers such as stress or anxiety. There are a number of factors that go into the treatment of psoriasis, though the best overall method of reducing outbreaks is to practice a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This includes avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, as well as taking time out of the day to practice stress reduction techniques, which might include yoga or meditation. Even longtime psoriasis sufferers may find relief by following these basic methods of lifestyle changes.
