There is no cure, but psoriasiscan be managed with a variety
of treatment options
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are approximately
5 million people living with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition
characterized by raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with
silvery-white scales that are often itchy and uncomfortable. Patches
may occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.
Causes of psoriasis
Possible triggers of the condition include emotional stress, skin
injury, systemic infection, reaction to medication or genetic predisposition.
Scratching itchy skin worsens psoriasis and can cause new lesions.
Treatments for psoriasis: A variety of treatments for psoriasis
are available, including:
- Topical treatments, which are usually the first line of defense
recommended by physicians. Over-the-counter treatments, like coal
tar, and prescription medications, like steroid creams, are available.
- Light treatments, which are often used to treat moderate-to-severe
cases that are resistant to topical creams and ointments.
- Systemic medications, which are available only by prescription.
Because of side effects, these drugs are usually reserved for
those patients with more severe cases of psoriasis.
- Biologic medications, which are a relatively new kind of systemic
medication. Biologic medications target the specific body chemicals
involved in psoriasis, not the immune system as a whole, like
some systemic medications do.
Psoriasis often clears up for long periods of time. For most patients,
however, it is a lifelong condition characterized by alternating
periods of flare-ups and clear-ups. For more information about psoriasis,
talk with your physician.
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