Psoriasis Defined

Psoriasis is a chronic scaling skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.

Variety of Psoriasis Treatments

Today, there are many different treatments to help control psoriasis. Some can be found over the counter at a drugstore, while others require a prescription from your doctor.
No single treatment works for everyone.
The goal is to find a treatment that works the best for you with the fewest side effects. Your doctor will look at what kind of psoriasis you have and recommend the treatment regimen that is best for you.
More about choosing a treatment with your doctor
Below are links to more information about the different kinds of treatments that can help with psoriasis.
Topical treatmentsTopical treatments–agents applied to the skin–are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. More about topicals
PhototherapyPhototherapy (UVB, PUVA and lasers) involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. More about phototherapy
Systemic medicationsSystemics are prescription medications that affect the entire body, and are usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics are a type of systemic medication. Systemics Biologics
Alternative approaches, diet & climateMany people choose to treat their psoriasis in nontraditional ways, including mind and body therapies, Alternative approaches ,
dietary supplements Your diet and psoriasis ,
and sunlight Sun and water therapy

Understanding Flexural Psoriasis

Flexural psoriasis, sometimes called Inverse Psoriasis, is localized in the flexural surfaces of the skin, e.g., armpit, groin, under the breast, and other skin folds. Typically, it appears as smooth inflamed lesions without scaling and is particularly subject to irritation due to rubbing and sweating.This type of psoriasis is often white in color, appears softened as if soaked by water, and may resemble a fungal infection. There is very little scaling, although the patches are inflamed and can be very sore. Appearing as it does in the folds of the skin, it is moister than other forms of psoriasis, and can be more uncomfortable physically.Flexural psoriasis rarely occurs by itself. It is more likely to accompany common plaque psoriasis.Psoriasis sufferers in their middle years or old age are more susceptible to this type of psoriasis as are people who are overweight and have more folds of skin.

The History of Psoriasis

Psoriasis has been around since the days of Greek mythology, more than 2,500 years ago. It was considered a curse from the gods.The Bible refers to psoriasis but mistakenly calls it leprosy. For hundreds of years, people with the disease were ostracized and forced to wander as homeless beggars. Some had to wear warning bells so others could avoid their paths. Some suffered the same fate as lepers, who were burned at the stake in the 14th century."Amazingly, psoriasis was a disease that had been misunderstood for more than 2,000 years before it was clearly defined (in the early 1800s) and named what we know it as today."

Psoriasis Information

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting approximately 4.5 million people in the United States.
New skin cells grow too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, swollen, scaly patches of skin in areas where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few spots or can involve more extensive areas of the body, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, and there currently is no cure.Psoriasis can strike people at any age, but the average age of onset is approximately 28 years.
Likewise, it affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.
Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis are estimated to have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease.
Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful condition.
It often results in physical limitations, disfiguration and a significant burden in managing the daily care of the disease.
Psoriasis sufferers may feel embarrassed, angry, frustrated, fearful, depressed and, in some cases, even suicidal.

Get the Facts on Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small red dots (or drops) of psoriasis. Guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta meaning "drop." It often appears on the trunk, arms and legs. The lesions may have some scale.
Guttate psoriasis frequently appears suddenly following a streptococcal infection or viral upper respiratory infections.
There are also other events that can precipitate an attack of guttate psoriasis: tonsillitis, a cold, chicken pox, immunizations, physical trauma, psychological stress, illness, and the administration of anti-malarial drugs.
Guttate psoriasis is many small patches of psoriasis, all over the body, and often happens after a throat infection.
Guttate Psoriasis most often affects children and young adults. It appears as small, red bumps-the size of drops of water-on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection such as strep throat.

Psoriasis Explained

Psoriasis is a chronic scaling skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. There is no blood test to diagnose psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension

Psoriasis Treatment Basics

1. Keep the body well hydrated with water. The smallest person should consume at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. The average person should consume 10 to 12 glasses daily. A person with an above-average exercise program, or who lives in a cold climate, should have 12 to 16 glasses. Christie Brinkley, a well-known international model (age 47 with 3 children) weighs only 135 pounds and averages 12 to 16 glasses per day (3 to 4 liters). Alkaline water is an excellent psoriasis treatment.
2. Be sure to moisturize your body with creams or lotions such as Jojoba oil (found in most health stores), Keri lotion, 10% urea cream, or Eucerin. Vaseline and ointments can block sweat glands and cause rashes to worsen, therefore they should be avoided. Jojoba Oil is the preferred psoriasis treatment to moisturize the skin.
3. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl by Parke-Davis (25 mg.), can be taken after 7:00 PM to control itching, which tends to be worse at night.
4. Keep nails clean and short to prevent scratching, which can cause infection or irritation.
5. Avoid skin irritants such as animal dander (dogs and cats), feathers, harsh fabrics (denim and corduroy), tight clothing, and sometimes even wool and silk. Cotton clothing is recommended as much as possible.
6. Launder clothing with mild soap or detergent (Dreft, Ivory Snow, certain sans-additive detergents such as Tide Free). Use no additives such as enzymes or fabric softeners. Wash new clothing prior to wearing.
7. Avoid temperature and humidity extremes, don't overdress or overheat. When humidity is low as during the winter in heated homes, a humidifier may be helpful.
8. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. Lake and ocean swimming is fine. Apply moisturizers afterwards.
9. Reduce or eliminate coffee and other stimulants, including alcohol. Stimulants are acidic, which works against psoriasis treatment.
10. Use soap substitutes such as Cetaphil 'gentle cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin' (not the aggressive antibacterial for acne, the oily skin, or the Cetaphil pump liquid with two alcohols), Emulave, or Neutrogena. Cetaphil cleansing bars can be purchased at your local drug store or pharmacy. Bubble bath should never be used as it may cause dryness and irritation of the psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is characterized by recurrent red scaly patches or lesions. These patches, which are also known as plaques, have a well-defined edge around them. These red plaques are covered with thick white scales. Psoriasis that develops after a strep infection looks like small pinkish skin lesions.

Psoriatic Arthritis

When psoriasis and arthritis occur together, it is known as psoriatic arthritis. (Arthritis is not a single disorder but rather the name for joint disease from a number of causes. Arthritic disease causes painful inflammation of one or several joints, with the inflammation destroying the cartilage in the joints.) The most easily recognizable form of psoriatic arthritis affects the joints of the fingers and toes. Psoriatic arthritis is usually less painful than rheumatoid arthritis. It also usually causes less disability.Psoriatic arthritis generally affects the fingers and toes, but it can involve the wrists, lower back, knees and ankles. Psoriatic arthritis can be a serious disease, with a large percentage of patients reporting that their symptoms limit their work or home activities.Psoriatic arthritis usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50. Its symptoms usually include at least one of the following:
Pain in one or more joints
Movement that is restricted by pain in the joint or surrounding areas
Morning stiffness
Eye pain or redness