Just like any other cell in our body even our skin cells or epithelial cells go through the birth and renewal process. New skin cells form the lowest layer and the old and dead skin dry and flake away. But for some people the skin cells have an accelerated life cycle and new skin cells are formed even before the old ones shed away.
This causes the dead skin cells to build-up.

This condition is called Psoriasis. Psoriasis results in  thick patches of skin that are not only irritating but also painful and in some cases affect your joints as well. This occurs in cycles and fortunately is not contagious and won’t spread from one part to another.There are many factors that may cause the psoriasis to increase, environmental being a major one. Excess exposure to the sun and various pollutants flare up this skin disease.

If you are suffering from a mild case of psoriasis then a simple topical ointment should give you some relief. But it is advised to consult your dermatologist and discuss and finalise your mode of treatment accordingly. If your psoriasis is severe you maybe required to take medications orally and follow a course of treatment to slow the skin growth process.You may also need to undergo Phototherapy, that involves exposing your skin to a combination of light sensitive medications and controlled exposure to Ultra violet A light along with oral drugs.

The exact reason why psoriasis occurs is unknown but you can keep it under control by maintaining good dietary habits and personal hygiene. Psoriasis occur the most in skin folds so its recommended you maintain your weight by eating healthy food and exercising.

Try your best not to scratch the affected skin, this’ll just irritate your skin further. Take regular baths and use soaps that contain coal tar or salicylic acid that’ll help soften the skin and gently remove it.Keep your skin moisturised with non alcoholic based creams that do not dry your skin further. After bath, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it and apply water based sunscreen lotion before you step out in the sun. Keep your house humid, the dryness will just increase the itchy uncomfortable feeling and keep a ready stock of hydrocortisone creams.

It is hard to live with this skin condition but not impossible if you take good care of your skin and visit your dermatologist regularly and take medication for it. Chances are very high that you’ll be able to get the symptoms under control. Once you find out what triggered the psoriasis then it’ll be easy for you to control the symptoms and get more relief from the medications.