What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. There are basically five types, each with unique signs and symptoms. Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called Psoriatic Arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches, or plaques, frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body. Types of Psoriasis 1. Plaque psoriasis.The patches most commonly seen are called plaques. They especially affect the back of the elbows and the front of the knees and the back. 2. Guttate psoriasis is many small patches of psoriasis, all over the body, and often happens after a throat infection. 3. Flexural psoriasis causes red, shiny areas in skin folds eg under breasts, between buttocks etc. 4. Pustular psoriasis. Smaller, circular patches, filled with pus, appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This can sometimes cause a fever, and may need treatment with an antibiotic. 5. Scalp psoriasis. Scaling and flakes of the scalp, often particularly affecting the hair margins. A serious, but rare, complication of psoriasis is erythroderma, where large areas of the skin become hot, red, and dry. This is one of the few emergencies involving skin conditions. If you suffer from this your doctor will admit you to hospital. Are there Treatments? There are many treatment options that can clear psoriasis for a period of time. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages, and what works for one patient may not be effective for another. Board-certified dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to determine the most appropriate treatments for each patient. Psoriasis treatments fall into 3 categories: 1. Topical (applied to the skin) – Mild to moderate psoriasis 2. Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) – Moderate to severe psoriasis 3. Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) – Moderate, severe or disabling psoriasis Some topicals are messy and may stain clothing and skin. Phototherapy can require 2 to 5 weekly visits to a dermatologist’s office or psoriasis clinic for several weeks. Many of the systemic medications have serious side effects and must be combined or rotated with other therapies to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. Research is being conducted to find therapies that provide safe, effective, easy-to-use treatment options that provide long-term relief. Today, there are many different treatments to help control psoriasis. Some can be found over the counter at a drugstore, while others require a prescription from your doctor. No single treatment works for everyone. The goal is to find a treatment that works the best with the fewest side effects. Your doctor will look at what kind of psoriasis you have and recommend the treatment regimen that is best for you. We urge you to find out more about Psoriasis and what will work for you today! |
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Psoriasis Treatments!... | Psoriasis Resources
| Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints. When it affects the skin it commonly appears as red scaly elevated patches called plaques. Psoriasis plaques frequently occur on the elbows and knees, but can affect any area of skin including the scalp and genital area. Psoriasis can vary in severity, from minor localized patches to extensive or even complete skin coverage. Fingernails and toenails are often affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy). Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints. This is known as psoriatic arthritis. Who Gets Psoriasis? More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with psoriasis, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. An estimated 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis. |
| Is Psoriasis Gender Biased? Psoriasis occurs about equally in males and females. Recent studies show that there may be an ethnic link. It seems that psoriasis is most common in Caucasians and slightly less common in African Americans. Worldwide, psoriasis is most common in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe. It appears to be far less common among Asians and is rare in Native Americans. There also is a genetic component associated with psoriasis. Approximately one-third of people who develop psoriasis have at least one family member with the condition. Research shows that the signs and symptoms of psoriasis usually appear between 15 and 35 years of age. About 75% develop psoriasis before age 40. However, it is possible to develop psoriasis at any age. After age 40, a peak onset period occurs between 50 and 60 years of age. Childhood Psoriasis About 1 in 10 people develop psoriasis during childhood, and psoriasis can begin in infancy. The earlier the psoriasis appears, the more likely it is to be widespread and recurrent. There is growing emphasis on quality of life research in all of medicine, and psoriasis impacts on every dimension of health-related quality of life. In my patient population, many of my patients are spending an hour a day taking care of their psoriasis and are using numerous treatments. Psoriasis treatment is costly, financially and psycologically. Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis develops in roughly one million people across the United States, and 5% to 10% experience some disability. Psoriatic arthritis usually first appears between 30 and 50 years of age, often months to years after skin lesions first occur. However, not everyone who develops psoriatic arthritis has psoriasis. About 30% of people who get psoriatic arthritis never develop the skin condition. Now that you know what Psoriasis is, we urge you to gather more information on Psoriasis. Find out which Psoriasis treatments will work best for you today! Psoriasis Can be cured! |
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis Treatment and Remedies
| What Causes Psoriasis? When people are diagnosed with psoriasis, it changes them physically because of the lesions that appear on the skin. But, just as importantly, it may influence how they work, play, view themselves and interact with others. What Causes Psoriasis? Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, little was known about psoriasis. While scientists still do not fully know what causes psoriasis, research has significantly advanced our understanding. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved. Can Genetics Cause Psoriasis? Family History. Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition. Research indicates that a “trigger” is needed. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, gets a strep infection, or experiences another trigger. Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor's office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency. Is psoriasis contagious? No. You can't catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can't spread it to other parts of your body. For years people with psoriasis had options that were either time consuming or had difficult side effects. However the new science of biologics is offering treatments that may help people not only manage their disease but also clear psoriasis for months and sometimes years. |
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