British top model Cara Delevingne is now at the peak of her popularity. But few people know that one of the most beautiful girls in the world suffers from psoriasis – a chronic skin disease.
In an interview with the W magazine, 21-year-old Cara admitted that it had happened precisely during the fashion week. It is natural that this should be the wrong time of the year to be covered with scabs. And yet, it was during the fashion week that one of the most recognized models in the world had to fight hard with the symptoms of her skin disease. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, and Delevingne is inclined to have it. As it often happens, the disease is getting worse during stress or nervous hard work.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease, which is characterized by red patches, covered with silvery scales that cause itching. Psoriasis usually occurs in people aged 20 to 30 years and is often hereditary. Psoriasis is not contagious. Even the mild form of psoriasis can cause serious psychological problems: low self-esteem, a sense of shame and social isolation. It is impossible to die of psoriasis, but the impact of this disease on a person’s life is very serious.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact causes of psoriasis are not yet known, but most often psoriasis is associated with the following factors:
too active reproduction of the skin cells (10 times more intensive than the normal one), which leads to having bulging plaques and peeling of the top layer of skin;
- heredity;
- stress;
- immunosuppression after illness;
Psoriasis Symptoms
It is recommended to consult a doctor in case of having the following symptoms:
- bulging red spots (plaques) covered with dry white or silvery scales. The spots usually appear on the elbows and knees, but the rash can be anywhere on the body, scalp, hands, nails and face. In some cases, the spots are itchy;
- deformed nails, layering of the nail plate;
- strong exfoliation of dead skin cells (like dandruff);
- blisters on the palms and feet, painful cracks in the skin.
Psoriasis Complications
- arthritis (joint inflammation) in severe cases of psoriasis;
- depression associated with low self-esteem.
What Can You Do Against Psoriasis?
You should consult your doctor and strictly comply with his/her recommendations. You can also stay in the sun for 15-30 minutes every day, stop drinking alcohol, avoid stress as much as possible and lead a healthy lifestyle, keeping an eye on your weight.
Psoriasis Treatment
The doctor can explain the peculiarities of your state, provide the necessary information and advice, as well as prescribe cream, ointment, or other means for the treatment of psoriasis (for example, those containing tar). Patients with psoriasis are also treated with other drugs and ultraviolet PUVA.
