If you suffer from psoriasis, you already know how unpleasant and painful the symptoms can be. This chronic skin condition affects millions of people, with women only being slightly more prone than men. The typical age of psoriasis vulgaris to appear is 28 years of age, though it can strike at any time. For those of you who are unaware of the common symptoms of this skin disorder, here’s a list to study in case it ever happens to you.

• painful itching
• heredity
• small areas of redness
• areas of scaling and rough texture

One of the first things many people notice when psoriasis begins to affect their lives is the horrible itching. It doesn’t take long for the affected areas of the skin to begin to feel tender and painful as well. The sufferer can never be sure where the rash will appear. It can literally take over healthy skin anywhere it wants. The hands, feet, torso, and extremities are all in danger of developing the psoriasis rash. Some unfortunate people have even reported symptoms on the face and scalp.
You may have gotten your mother’s beautiful eyes, but let’s hope you don’t develop her skin psoriasis. Heredity plays a large role in the formation of this painful skin condition. It isn’t uncommon for grandparents, parents, children, and nieces and nephews in one family to break out at one time or another. There isn’t much you can do about your gene pool.

Another early symptom of psoriasis is areas of redness. This is the start of the rash and the skin will often feel rough and almost cobblestoned. This is when most patients start to notice the itch. Many people are so frustrated by the itching sensation that they sometimes scratch the skin surface until it bleeds. Of course, it doesn’t help that with the pain, you may not notice the skin break until it’s too late. This redness, combined with areas of scaling and rough texture, will almost guarantee your chances of having psoriasis.

Concerns about your appearance, frustration at the painful, itching condition, and having a hard time finding a solution are common occurrences when you are dealing with psoriasis vulgaris. Keeping the affected area clean and moisturized is often helpful. Many prescription topical creams are only moderately successful. It isn’t necessary to live in silence with this common skin disorder,you’re your doctor can usually diagnosis your skin condition with a simple visual exam.