Psoriasis

Up to 7.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.http://www.psoriasis.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=345 Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes scaly, sore thick patches on the skin. These skin lesions can appear on the scalp, elbows, back, face, knees, feet and palms.

Psoriasis stems from malfunctioning T cells in the immune system. The cells attack healthy skin and cause the new skin cells to rise to the outer layer of skin too quickly before existing cells can naturally slough off. The process causes the buildup of thick, scaly skin patches.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193/DSECTION=causes While some cases of psoriasis are transient, the condition is generally considered chronic.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/psoriasis.html

Psoriasis symptoms vary between individuals. General symptoms include red skin patches with silver-colored scales, cracked skin, itching or burning, nails with ridges and stiff or swollen joints. Typically, symptoms appear on a cycle that includes a few weeks where symptoms are worse (called a flare), followed by a period where symptoms are in remission.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193/DSECTION=symptoms

• Plaque- As the most common form of psoriasis, plaque or vulgaris psoriasis, causes slightly elevated patches of red skin that have a silvery-colored outer covering. This type of psoriasis is often found on the lower back, elbows, knees and scalp.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Guttate- Guttate psoriasis often appears after a strep throat infection during adolescence. The disease causes small red dots on the arms, upper body and or legs.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Inverse- Often found in the folds of the skin, inverse psoriasis causes red patches under the breasts, in the genital region and in the armpits. The red patches are often itchy.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Pustular- Often localized to the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, pustular psoriasis causes blisters filled with fluid that feature a ring of reddish skin. This type of psoriasis can cover the entire body and causes infections and fevers.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Erythrodermic- Generally causing red skin over the entire body, this form of psoriasis can cause fluid loss, decreased body temperature and protein loss.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Palmo-plantar- Localized to the soles of the feet and palms of the hand, palmo-plantar psoriasis causes small red bumps with a scaly covering.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Scalp- This type of psoriasis often appears in conjunction with another form of psoriasis and causes lesions on the back of the neck, ears, forehead and scalp.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp
• Nails- Affecting about half of individuals with other forms of psoriasis, this condition causes the discoloration, thickening, pitting and separation of the nails.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp

Treatments for psoriasis attempt to stop the abnormal skin cycle and help minimize skin lesions. Topical treatments include Vitamin D ointments or creams, topical corticosteroid creams, topical retinoids, a drug called Anthralin, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, moisturizers and coal tar.http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis.jsp Various light therapy treatments and oral or injected medications may also be prescribed based on the type and location of psoriasis.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.