Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory diseas

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the immune system which affects up to 3% of the world’s population. It is slightly more common in men than women, and is more common in people who live in cold climates and high latitudes, and less common in people who have greater sun exposure.

Cause & Symptoms

A fault in the immune system leads to a rapid rate of skin cell multiplication, causing red, raised, and scaly patches of skin which can itch, crack, and bleed.
These patches of skin are usually on the knees, elbows, and scalp, but can also be on the trunk of the body and the legs. Often the nails are affected and this can be hard to distinguish from a fungal nail infection.
About 8% of people with psoriasis of the skin will develop psoriatic arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease characterised by pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around joints.

Treatment

Topical therapies are usually the first line of treatment. It may be necessary for people to rotate through different treatments at different times depending on the severity of the condition.
I have found that a lot of people can make the plaques of psoriasis appear so much better and have less itching and swelling by using Nellies Intensive Moisturising Ointment at least three times a day.
I have also found that using Nellies Psoriasis Cream at times of a flare-up can reduce the symptoms quickly and effectively, due to the special combination of ingredients
I have also produced a shampoo especially for treating psoriasis of the scalp, which can be used as a maintenance treatment once a week or up to once daily if a flare-up occurs.

Steroids – Long Term Problems

Topical steroids are also recommended in severe cases, however it has been found that the stronger the steroid the quicker the psoriasis went BUT the quicker it came back. Long term use of steroids has some serious long term effects such as thinning of the skin so that it tears like paper, as well as effects on your internal organs from systemic absorption.
Other treatments available include phototherapy (which involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of UV light), or systemic drugs (which require careful monitoring).