Psoriasis: Symptoms and Causes

Many people around the world struggle with psoriasis. That’s the conclusion reached in a study published by the National Psoriasis Foundation. It revealed that roughly 125 million people worldwide are living with the condition. For those unfamiliar with it, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by raised, scaly patches on the skin, appearing primarily on the scalp, trunk, elbows, or knees.

Why Psoriasis Is More Than Just Skin Deep

Psoriasis is more than just unsightly, scaly patches of skin that itch. Many people diagnosed with the condition also report experiencing pain severe enough to interfere with their ability to sleep or concentrate. The reason why psoriasis is as painful as it is for many people comes down to inflammation. When someone develops psoriasis, their skin cells get replaced faster compared to someone who doesn’t have the disease, which leads to a buildup of skin cells. In addition to red, itchy, and dry skin, an excess buildup of skin cells can cause painful inflammation. One study from the National Institutes of Health revealed that as many as 83% of people with psoriasis self-reported pain as one of their symptoms. Many used one or more of the following adjectives to describe their psoriasis-related pain symptoms:

  • Aching
  • Burning
  • Cramping
  • Stabbing
  • Stinging
  • Throbbing

Psoriasis flare-ups can make these and other symptoms worse. Some of the things that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups include smoking, heavy drinking, stress, and taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antimalarials, high blood pressure medications, and arthritis drugs. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants can have the same effect. And it does not end there. Multiple studies show prolonged exposure to dry, cold weather can also make some people susceptible to psoriasis flare-ups. The same holds for skin trauma, such as cuts, scrapes, and sunburns, according to one study from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

The Different Types of Psoriasis

Multiple forms of psoriasis can attack the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center in Rochester, Minnesota, they include the following:

  • Erythrodermic psoriasis
  • Guttate psoriasis
  • Inverse psoriasis
  • Nail psoriasis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Pustular psoriasis

All forms of psoriasis can cause inflammation. Depending on the type of psoriasis, that inflammation can cause pus-filled blisters, peeling rashes, and scaling to appear on the skin. Sometimes, it can lead to pitting of the fingernails or toenails.

What Causes Psoriasis?

As of the writing of this article, the etiology or cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, several studies show that genetics may play a role in someone developing it. One of those studies is from the American Academy of Dermatology Association. It revealed that if an individual’s immediate family has psoriasis, they are at an above-average risk of developing it themselves. Race and ethnicity can also play a role in who develops the autoimmune disorder. The same study data notes that 3.6% of Caucasians are diagnosed with psoriasis in their lifetime compared to 2% and 1.6% of African Americans and Hispanics, respectively.

Irrespective of racial or ethnic groups, environmental factors, such as exposure to dry or cold weather and exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, can increase anyone’s chances of being diagnosed with psoriasis. There is also evidence suggesting that hormonal imbalances can make some people susceptible to developing the autoimmune disorder.

The Relationship Between Hormonal Imbalances and Psoriasis

The male and female both contain human growth hormones (HGH). Produced by the pituitary gland, these hormones stimulate growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration, all of which play a part in skin renewal or, more succinctly, the body’s natural ability to turn over skin cells. When someone’s HGH levels decline, it can trigger a similar decline in testosterone and estrogen. Low testosterone or estrogen levels in the blood can increase the chances of developing numerous dermatological conditions, including those associated with psoriasis. For this reason, many physicians prescribe HGH hormone replacement therapy to patients with psoriasis who are also HGH deficient.

How To Buy Legal HGH Injections: If you have psoriasis caused by an HGH deficiency, HGH injectable medications, such as Genotropin, Humatrope, Saizen, or Sogroya, can help. However, these and other HGH hormone replacement drugs are only available by prescription, and individuals must be officially diagnosed with an HGH deficiency to receive a prescription. To make such a diagnosis, a physician will review a patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and inquire about their symptoms. Common HGH deficiency symptoms include the following:

  • Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Feeling chronically anxious or depressed
  • High levels of visceral fat
  • Low libido
  • Reduced muscle mass

Physicians will also order a blood test to confirm whether or not a patient has an HGH deficiency.

What Blood Test Do Physicians Order To Confirm or Rule Out an HGH Deficiency?

The test a physician orders to determine whether or not a patient has an HGH deficiency is a growth hormone (GH) stimulation test. It typically takes 2 to 5 hours to complete, and patients must fast for 10 to 12 hours before taking it. The steps associated with taking this blood test are as follows:

  • The physician takes a blood sample from a vein in a  patient’s arm using a small needle and places it into a test tube or vial.
  • The physician administers an amino acid known as arginine via an intravenous (IV) line inside the patient’s elbow or back of their hand, which triggers the pituitary gland to produce HGH.
  • After two hours, the physician draws more blood from the patient’s vein to determine if their HGH levels increased over what they were with the first blood sample.

If the growth hormone levels in a patient’s blood do not increase during a GH stimulation test, it usually signals a deficiency. But to make an accurate diagnosis, most physicians also will factor in the patient’s medical history and reported symptoms. If a deficiency is confirmed, the physician will prescribe an HGH hormone replacement drug, which the patient can have filled at a licensed online or brick-and-mortar pharmacy.

In summary, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can wreak havoc on the skin. And in some cases, it is triggered and worsened by an HGH deficiency. To find out if such a hormonal imbalance is at the heart of your struggles with psoriasis, consider scheduling an appointment with a physician today.

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