The History of Psoriasis
Although the name psoriasis was not introduced for many
years the actual condition of psoriasis was first talked
of by the Greek Physician, Hippocrates who lived between
460 and 377 BC. The condition has indeed been around for a
long time, with our current knowledge evolving over
hundreds of years.
Psoriasis was again mentioned in the first century by
Cornelius celsus, a Roman author. Celsus described it as
the fourth variant of impetigo, a condition caused by
staphlococcus pyogenes. This condition appears as red
patches with watery blisters on the skin.
Joseph Jacob Plenck (Vienna 1776) wrote of Psoriasis as
being amongst the group of desquamative (scaly or scale
like) diseases. He did not delve further to differentiate
it from other dermatological conditions.
The English dermatologist, Robert Willan (1757 ~ 1812)
recognized psoriasis as an independent disease. He
identified two categories. Leprosa Graecorum was the term
he used to describe the condition when the skin had
scales. Psora Leprosa described the condition when it
became eruptive.
In 1841 Ferdinand Hebra, a Viennese dermatologist worked
on Willan's notes and was the first to ascribe the
name 'psoriasis'. It was Hebra who described the clinical
picture of psoriasis that is used today. The hereditary
factor of psoriasis had already been established by this
time.
The cause of psoriasis is still largely unknown however
research into the cause, treatment and ultimate cure
continue.
by Mel Sinclair
http://www.eczemasite.com
This article courtesy of http://www.health-resources.co.uk.