Diseases > Psoriasis

Author: Dr. Leo Barco

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition of unknown origin with important genetic factors. Around 2% of the general population is affected and may appear at any age.

There are several forms: plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, etc. All body areas may be involved but typical locations are the elbows, knees, scalp and nails. The clinical presentation varies depending on the type of psoriasis and on the patient, but usually patches of scales with a reddened base are characteristic.

Several treatments are available such as topical preparations (emollients, steroid creams, tar preparations, Vit. D derivatives, etc), ultraviolet light and oral (methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids, etc.) or injectable medications but to date no cure exists for psoriasis.

Links:

www.dermnetnz.org/scaly/psoriasis-general.html

www.dermnetnz.org/scaly/psoriasis-treatment.html

http://www.bad.org.uk/site/864/default.aspx

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