Integumentary System: Psoriasis

Of the eleven systems that make up the human body, the most superficial organ system is the integumentary system. This system is the covering from the external environment to the internal organs of the body. With any system, there are possible complications like diseases or conditions that can affect it. One disease that can affect this system is called psoriasis. It is a common skin condition that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Doctors have categorized it as an autoimmune condition, which the body's defenses mistake healthy cells for dangerous substances. It is not a contagious disease, but it is hereditary. It is a chronic (long-lasting) disease, with periods ranging from violent outbreaks or states of remission in which conditions improve. Symptoms of this illness include: irritated, red flaky areas on the skin usually appearing on the elbows, knees or middle of body. Other symptoms include dry, itchy skin appearing to resemble silver or salmon colored "scales", genital lesions in males, joint pain, or changes in nail development such as color and shape, or severe dandruff. There are also factors in which flare-ups of affected regions can determine the severity of the outbreak called triggers. These include, but are not limited to: bacterial or vial infections, dry skin, stress, too much or little sunlight, and even the excessive consumption of alcohol. Like many other diseases, there are variations in psoriasis. There are five different classifications ranging from mild to severe cases of psoriasis. Each is distinct in its location, as well as possible side effects.

Of the five different variations, consisting of erythrodermic, guttate, inverse, pustular, and plaque psoriasis, the most predominately seen cases are plaque psoriasis. About 80 percent of all cases are of this type. Inflamed, raised, red lesions covered by white scales characterize it. It is usually found on the elbows, scalp, knees, and the lower back. Next, there is guttate psoriasis. It usually appears from early childhood or young adulthood. This type is named for the lesions it produces that look like "drops" usually located on limbs or the body trunk. As one of the most rapid forms, guttate psoriasis can have sporadic outbreaks on the body surface, and is highly susceptible to the triggers linked with psoriasis. Moreover, there is erythrodermic psoriasis. This is usually associated with the inflammatory form that affects most of the body's surface. It is characterized by periodic widespread outbreaks with shedding of sheets of skin instead of the common flaking associated with the other types, which often lead to other side effects such as increased heart rate and fluxion of internal body temperature. The fourth variation is known as inverse psoriasis. The affected