Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin, and occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals to speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Symptoms of psoriasis frequently appear on the hands, feet and nails, so nail technicians should be aware of this disease and how it can affect salon services. In this month’s Nail Clinic, we delve into the details about this relatively common condition and discuss ways to accommodate clients with psoriasis in the salon.
A Psoriasis Primer
While the exact causes of psoriasis have yet to be discovered, like many diseases, genetics plays a major role in its development. “Psoriasis is an inherited skin disease in which the skin proliferates much faster than normal,” says Robert T. Brodell, MD, professor of internal medicine, dermatology, at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio. “If you have a family member with psoriasis, you have an increased risk, but since something can set it off without warning, you may have no way of knowing whether it runs in your family.” In other words, a family member who actually carries the gene may have never experienced a triggering event, so the problem remains latent for one or more generations.
According to Joel Schlessinger, MD, FAAD, FAACS, Omaha, Nebraska-based board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, and president of
Nail Clinic: Psoriasis
Jun 26th, 2014