Psoriasis

Psoriasis

I. Definition:

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which tends to run in families. Psoriasis affects between 1-3% of the population. It varies in severity from mild to severe. Psoriasis can affect the nails, scalp, skin and joints. Psoriasis can start at any age. When psoriasis involves the nails it usually causes pits in the nails as shown below.

Psoriasis of the Nails

II. Causes:

The cause of psoriasis is unknown.
In psoriasis, areas of the skin grow much faster than normal and form red, scaling patches. The scalp, elbows, and knees are the most common sites for psoriasis, however any part of the skin may become involved.
Psoriasis is a problem only because it itches and is unsightly. It is not contagious.
If the skin is traumatized, psoriasis can form in the affected area.

III. Treatment:

Treatment is temporarily effective, and may need to be continued for quite a while. There is no magic cure for psoriasis.
If you have psoriasis of the scalp, it helps to wash your hair often.
Moderate sunlight exposure of the scalp is often helpful. Do not get sunburned, since psoriasis may settle in areas of injured skin.
Sunlight is an effective treatment for psoriasis, but sunlight causes aging of the skin and skin cancer, so don't overdo it.
Ultraviolet light (phototherapy) helps and is even more effective when used with tar or anthralin. We have this treatment available in the office. There are two types of phototherapy: PUVA and UVB phototherapy.
Psoriasis causes the skin to lose water to the environment. So you must lubricate the areas of psoriasis with liberal amounts of Vaseline.
Salicylic acid is used to dissolve the scales in psoriasis so that other medicines can penetrate the skin.
Severe psoriasis can be treated with methotrexate. Use of the drug can cause liver damage, so patients on methotrexate must receive a liver biopsy every year.
Mild psoriasis can be treated effectively with cortisone ointments.
Anthralin is an effective treatment for many cases of psoriasis.
Dovonex (Vitamin D) ointment is a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis. It is very expensive but is covered by most prescription plans. Dovonex is usually used in combination with other treatments.
People with psoriasis should not take Prednisone or other steroids by mouth. Nor should patients with psoriasis have shots of cortisone. These medicines temporarily improve psoriasis but when stopped can lead to severe flares of this condition.

IV. National Psoriasis Foundation:

Click here for detailed information available from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

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