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Home > Psoriasis Treatment


Psoriasis


Psoriasis still remains an enigma for patients and doctors alike. Psoriasis is considered to be an immune-mediated, inconsistent, idiosyncratic disorder that affects humans. The Romans in the days of Nero regarded it as a type of leprosy, while the Greeks echoed it as Lepra and English dermatologists in the late 18th century better clarified the skin condition as particular types of leprosy, assigning names according to appearance of the lesions – (a) leprosa graecorum and (b) Psora leprosa.

Be that as it may, Psoriasis is a chronic recurring disease that affects the skin and joints of both the sexes, causing red scaly patches to appear on the skin that are often inflamed, causing irritation and discomfort. Called psoriatic plaques, these soon become silvery-white in color where excessive skin growths take place rapidly. Psoriatic plaques are usually found in the arms, elbows and knees, and can also rise up in the scalp and the genitals. The severity of the disease varies from localized patches to total body coverage including fingernails and toenails that are termed psoriatic nail dystrophy. When Psoriasis affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain, it becomes known as psoriatic arthritis. Luckily, the disease is neither contagious nor is it sexually transmitted. There are many known types including guttate psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, inverse psoriasis and plaque psoriasis, to name a few.

Though the causes of psoriasis still remain unknown. Some researchers believe the cause to be genetic and auto immune related, where the skin cells send signals for skin to grow too fast, and it accumulates on the surface. What is know is that there are some factors that can aggravate the condition which have been identified. Unwarranted alcohol consumption, excessive stress and chain smoking are believed to heighten the discomforts of psoriatic patients. Some other factors include abnormal sexual practices and overconsumption of tinned meat products.

Though psoriasis is a not a very serious disease and is non-fatal, it can leave a discolored rash on the skin of the patient. And when the rashes are are on direct, exposed portions of the skin, they become aggravated, making psoriasis treatment necessary. If left untreated, the condition can deteriorate to the point where where the rashes may spread to other body parts. Once you see Psoriasis symptoms such as plaques, it is advised to seek medical help and treatment from a Physican.

Psoriasis Treatment

Treatment for Psoriasis - or rather treatment of the symptoms - can take various forms, depending on the severity of the case, constitution of the patient, age, sex and other factors. However, it is important to know that it is a lifelong condition and presently there is no cure for psoriasis. However, with careful treatment, prevention and health lifestyles, the symptoms of psoriasis can be limited.

Common Treatments

(a) Topical creams, ointments, essential oils, baths to provide relief;
(b) Phototherapy with ultra violet light source, particularly with narrowband UVB (311 – 312 nm); (c) Photochemotherapy with PUVA < Psoralen + ultraviolet >,
(d) Systemic treatment with oral medications or injections of high toxic level
(e) Climatotherapy practiced in areas that are congenial to such treatments like the Dead Sea where the condition responds rapidly to treatments
(f) Fish treatments provided in Turkey where a particular kind of fish preserved in specially appointed pools is encouraged to nibble at the skin of psoriatic affected skin of patients.

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