Psoriasis is likely one of the longest-known diseases of humans and also one of the most misunderstood. Psoriasis affects both males and females equally and can occur at any age, although it most commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

Psoriasis usually gets worse over time but it is not possible to predict who will go on to develop extensive psoriasis or those in whom the disease may appear to vanish. Psoriasis is a chronic, or lifelong, condition because there is currently no cure. Psoriasis research continues to accelerate at a rapid pace and will continue to advance our knowledge of what causes psoriasis.

Symptoms

There are multiple types of psoriasis, each with unique visual symptoms. 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 scalp (known as scalp psoriasis), lower back, knees, and elbows. However, this type of psoriasis may occur anywhere on the body.

Some other types of psoriasis are:

• guttate psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin)
• pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin)
• inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds)
• erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain)
• nail psoriasis (pitting, crumbling, and/or peeling of the nails)

Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. The disease can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriasis on the scalp appears as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales.  Psoriasis may occur inside the mouth as well, although it is rare.  Psoriasis is not contagious but can be inherited.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis treatment methods depend on:

• How serious the disease is
• The size of the psoriasis patches
• The type of psoriasis
• How the patient reacts to certain treatments

Psoriasis treatments include various topical creams, internal medications and light therapy. In order to reduce resistance and adverse reactions, psoriasis treatments from each level are often combined, or switched around every 12 to 24 months.  Most forms of psoriasis respond to similar treatments.  Therefore, the guttate psoriasis treatment may be the same as the scalp psoriasis treatment, and the pustular psoriasis treatment that works may be the same as the nail psoriasis treatment.  Of course, each case and each person are unique, so different treatments may be used to control the same form of psoriasis.

There are many psoriasis treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat. The decision to use a particular treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and how severe it is. Treatments with the least side effects should generally be tried first and more potentially-dangerous treatments instituted only when resistance is demonstrated. If the treatment goal is not achieved then therapies with greater potential toxicity may be used. This is called the psoriasis treatment ladder.

Psoriasis treatments that are applied directly to the skin are known as topical therapies. If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired outcome, the next step is be to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of treatment is called phototherapy psoriasis treatment. Tinted sunglasses should be worn during UV treatment because there is a risk of cataracts developing from overexposure to ultraviolet light. Long-term phototherapy psoriasis treatment is also associated with increased risk of skin cancers.

Psoriasis that is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy may be treated through the use of medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. Patients using these types of medications must have regular blood and liver tests because of the toxicity of the medication.

For those who find that psoriasis medications have too many side effects, homeopathic psoriasis treatment may be promising.  With their low incidence of side effects, some homeopathic treatments also have a measurable rate of success.

While psoriasis can be a serious illness, it can also be controlled. Please check out the other articles on this website, and consult with your doctor to determine what you can do to treat your own psoriasis.

Disclaimer