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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic and often
painful, non-contagious disease
in which the skin cells
reproduce about 7 times faster
than normal. There are several
different types of psoriasis but
the common type - psoriasis
vulgaris - is characterized by
reddish skin patches with
silvery scales on the scalp,
knees, elbows, hands and feet.
It is worth pointing out that a
common type of skin cancer
called squamous cell carcinoma
can also appear as reddish skin
patches, as can its precursor
the pre-cancerous actinic
keratosis.
Treatment options for psoriasis
include
-
topical medications
containing cortisone-like
compounds, synthetic vitamin
D (calcipotriene) tar and
anthralin
- oral
medications such as
methrotrexate, cyclosporine,
or retinoids
- laser
and light based technologies
in combination with
topical (tar plus
ultraviolet B light-the
Goeckerman regimen) and oral
(psoralens plus ultraviolet
A light-the puva regimen)
- new
biologic agents which
work by blocking a type of
cell called tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) which is
involved in inflammatory and
immune responses
These drugs are already being
used to treat severe arthritic
disease such as rheumatoid
arthritis. Two of these drugs
which are given at home by
injection are marketed under the
trade names of Enbrel and
Raptiva. This class of drugs can
have serious side effects
including an increased incidence
of infections and malignancy.
Skin
Disease -
PsoriasisSupport.com
Find information about
psoriasis, a skin
disease, including
treatments, scientific research
news, support groups, online
communities, and FAQs.
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