Dermatology

Common Skin Disorders

Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that often develop as silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis affects nearly 6 million people in the US.

What causes psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by abnormally fast-growing and shedding skin cells. The skin cells multiply so quickly, causing the skin to shed every 3 to 4 days. Though not contagious, the condition is hereditary. Psoriasis is often recurrent and occurs in varying severities.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

The following are the most common symptoms of psoriasis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, as psoriasis comes in several forms and severities. Symptoms may include:

discoid psoriasis
Also called plaque psoriasis, this type of psoriasis is the most common. Symptoms may include patches of red, raised skin on the trunk, arms, legs, knees, elbows, genitals, and scalp. Nails may also thicken, become pitted, and separate from the nail beds.

guttate psoriasis
This type of psoriasis affects mostly children. Symptoms may include many small patches of red, raised skin. A sore throat usually proceeds the onset of this type of psoriasis.

pustular psoriasis
Symptoms may include small pustules (pus-containing blisters) all over the body or just on the palms, soles, and other small areas.

The symptoms of psoriasis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

When the condition progresses to the development of silvery scales, the physician can usually diagnose psoriasis with a medical examination of the nails and skin. Confirmation of diagnosis may be done with a skin biopsy -- taking a small skin specimen to examine under a microscope.

Treatment for psoriasis:
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells. At the present time, there is no cure for psoriasis. Specific treatment for psoriasis will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health, age, and medical history
severity of the condition
your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include one, or a combination, of the following:

ointments and creams to moisturize the skin
sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure (under a physician's supervision)
steroids such as cortisone creams
vitamin D cream
creams containing salicylic acid or coal tar
Anthralin (a drug that treats the thicker, hard-to-treat patches of psoriasis)
methotrexate (an anti-cancer drug that interrupts the growth of skin cells)

This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

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