Nearly half of psoriasis patients have scaly patches on the scalp, sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis, better known as dandruff. Whereas seborrheic dermatitis creates itching and flaking affecting all or most of the scalp, psoriasis has thickened, palpable, well defined patches of plaque.
[SOURCE: “GP Clinical: Psoriasis,” GP, September 24, 2004]

Psoriasis Inflammation Increases Risk of Diabetes, Heart Disease 
                                   

Psoriasis patients have a higher than normal incidence of arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, Crohn’s disease and other disorders. Many scientists attribute this increased risk to the effects of chronic inflammation of the skin. This inflammation may also lead to development of syndrome X, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes.
[SOURCE: Betsy Bates, “Psoriatic Inflammation Tied to Diabetes,” Internal Mecicine News, January 1, 2005]

Psoriasis Problems Run Deep 
                                                                                                           

Persons with the skin disorder psoriasis have a level of disability comparable to that of individuals with chronic heart problems such as angina or hypertension. With psoriasis, the disability involves mostly social and psychological distress whereas the limitations associated with angina and hypertension are primarily physical.
[SOURCE: “Clinical Pitfalls,” Pulse, September 13, 2004]

Seeking the Causes of Psoriasis

Doctors believe that psoriasis is caused by an abnormality of the immune system that leads to an excess production of skin cells. The disorder tends to run in families but is often triggered by external stressors. A large majority of patients report that their flare-ups tend to follow emotional trauma such as a new job or a death in the family. Infections, injury to skin and certain medications, such as beta blockers, can also aggravate symptoms. [SOURCE: “Understanding psoriasis–the basics,” WebMD Medical References, reviewed by Norman Levine, M.D., November 22, 2008]

Sunlight, Sea Water May Help Psoriasis
                                                                                               

Sunlight is known to help psoriasis, and some scientists have also found a positive effect from sea water, particularly water from the Dead Sea. Many patients, however, are reluctant to take advantage of these natural treatments–primarily because they feel ashamed of exposing their bodies. Even though psoriasis is not contagious, about half of respondents to a recent European survey indicated they would not kiss, hug, swim with or eat food prepared by someone with psoriasis.
[SOURCE: Barbara Jankowiak, et al, “The Need for Health Education Among Patients with Psoriasis,” Dermatology Nursing, October, 2004; Mary Ellen Schneider, “Psoriasis: Still a Scarlet Letter,” Skin & Allergy News, December, 2004]