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• Psoriasis is a disease that causes scaly, sore thick patches on the skin, which can be quite uncomfortable. The parts of the body that are usually affected are the scalp, elbows, back, face, knees, feet and palms. Psoriasis stems from immune system complications. While some cases of psoriasis are transient, others persist for a significant amount of time.MedlinePlus: Psoriasis

  In February 2009, the FDA warned that the drug Raptiva could cause brain infections that lead to death. The FDA said there were three confirmed deaths related to the drug and possibly a fourth.CNN: Psoriasis drug could cause deadly brain infection (February 20, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. A common diseaseNPF: About Psoriasis Statistics
  2. Affects 2-3% of populationNPF: About Psoriasis Statistics
  3. Usually occurs in adultsAOCD: Psoriasis
  4. Often runs in familiesAOCD: Psoriasis
  5. May be chronic or transientAOCD: Psoriasis
  6. 10-30% of sufferers also have psoriatic arthritisNPF: About Psoriasis Statistics
  7. Inflicts 7.5 million AmericansNPF: About Psoriasis

• Raptiva Warning

  In February 2009, the FDA reported that at least three people died after taking the psoriasis drug Raptiva and becoming infected with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Raptiva is administered by injection once a week. The drug suppresses T-cells that help fight infection. The T-cells are responsible for the inflammation of the skin in psoriasis suffers. The suppression of the cells also decreases the function of the immune system, increasing the patients susceptibility to infections, according to the FDA.CNN: Psoriasis drug could cause deadly brain infection (February 20, 2009)

• Types

  • PlaquePsoriasis Connections: Types of Psoriasis
  • GuttatePsoriasis Connections: Types of Psoriasis
  • InversePsoriasis Connections: Types of Psoriasis
  • PustularPsoriasis Connections: Types of Psoriasis
  • ErythrodermicPsoriasis Connections: Types of Psoriasis

• Symptoms

  • Rash covered with silvery scalesMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Symptoms
  • Thick or sore patches of skinMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Symptoms
  • Itching, burning or sorenessMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Symptoms

• Treatments

  • CreamsMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Treatment
  • MedicationsMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Treatment
  • Light therapyMayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Treatment

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have psoriasis, please make sure to consult your doctor.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Skin | LeAnn Rimes Psoriasis | Rashes | Dandruff | Skin Cancer | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Arthritis | Sunburn | Type 1 Diabetes | Graves' Disease | Crohn's Disease | Celiac Disease | Dandruff Treatment | Boils Treatment

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