Psoriasis
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that most commonly appears as thick scaly areas located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and buttocks. It can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be associated with joint inflammation and arthritis.
What causes Psoriasis?
It is not known what causes psoriasis. However, there is a definite genetic component to the disease.
How common is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is common worldwide and has an incidence of 0.1-3% of the world population. Psoriasis affects adults and children, both women and men of all races.
What is the usual course of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to wax and wane over time. It can be treated very effectively with medications and the symptoms can be improved dramatically. At this time, however, there is no definitive cure for psoriasis.
What treatments are available for Psoriasis?
The goal of therapy is to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Depending on the subtype and severity of psoriasis, there is a range of therapeutic options. Treatment regimens usually begin with topical steroids, topical immunomodulators (such as dovonex), and can progress to oral medications (such as soriatane, methotrexate, and cyclosporine) if necessary. There is a new class of medications called “biologics” (such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Stelara) which can be extremely effective in patients with severe psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that most commonly appears as thick scaly areas located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and buttocks. It can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be associated with joint inflammation and arthritis.
What causes Psoriasis?
It is not known what causes psoriasis. However, there is a definite genetic component to the disease.
How common is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is common worldwide and has an incidence of 0.1-3% of the world population. Psoriasis affects adults and children, both women and men of all races.
What is the usual course of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to wax and wane over time. It can be treated very effectively with medications and the symptoms can be improved dramatically. At this time, however, there is no definitive cure for psoriasis.
What treatments are available for Psoriasis?
The goal of therapy is to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Depending on the subtype and severity of psoriasis, there is a range of therapeutic options. Treatment regimens usually begin with topical steroids, topical immunomodulators (such as dovonex), and can progress to oral medications (such as soriatane, methotrexate, and cyclosporine) if necessary. There is a new class of medications called “biologics” (such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Stelara) which can be extremely effective in patients with severe psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
