Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation that affects 1%-2% of people in the U.S. There are several different types of psoriasis. Clinical types of psoriasis include pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis is typically found on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Symptoms and signs include red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. Treatment may involve topical therapy, phototherapy, and medication.
Must Read Articles:
-
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that looks like small, salmon-pink drops on the skin. The word guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning drop. Other symptoms and signs include nail changes and itchy drop-like lesions. This type of psoriasis usually resolves on its own in a few weeks. More resistant cases may benefit from PUVA therapy. -
Iritis
Iritis, or anterior uveitis, is an inflammation on the front part of the eye called the iris. The iris is the colored part of the eye that opens and closes the pupil of the eye. Trauma, infections, or autoimmune problems can all cause iritis. Iritis is typically treated with eyedrops or pills. -
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common condition. Psoriasis symptoms and signs include patches of raised red skin with silvery scales. Symptoms and signs of nail psoriasis include thickening and pitting. Treatment of nail psoriasis may include medications or removal of the nail. -
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The skin is red and covered with silvery scales and is inflamed. Mild plaque psoriasis may be treated with topical therapy while severe cases of plaque psoriasis require systemic medications. -
Understanding Psoriasis Medications
There are a number of good treatment options to control the skin lesions of psoriasis. Topical agents are practical when treating localized disease. Phototherapy should be considered if the disease covers more than 5%-10% of the total body surface area. Systemic agents should be started only after both topical treatment and phototherapy have been carefully considered. -
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific autoimmune condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis. Some psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs include scaly red skin on certain areas of the body, nail changes, eye inflammation, iritis, and inflammation of the muscles and tendons where they connect to the bone. There are a variety of psoriatic arthritis types. The goal of psoriatic arthritis treatment medications and lifestyle changes is to control inflammation. -
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. People with pustular psoriasis have clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). Treatment incorporates topical therapy and systemic therapy. -
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that affects approximately 5.5 million people in the United States. Typical characteristics of psoriasis are red, dry, patches of skin and inflammation. -
What Is Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red raised patches of skin covered with silvery thick scales. Environmental factors and injuries may trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
Featured:
Expert Views and News
- Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis Diabetes Risk
- Dietary Changes Help Psoriatic Diseases
- FDA Approves Inflectra, a Biosimilar to Remicade
- FDA Approves New Psoriasis Drug Cosentyx
- Stelara OK'd for Psoriatic Arthritis
- Psoriasis Linked to Diabetes
- Some Psoriasis Therapies May Cut Heart Attack Risk
- Vigorous Exercise Might Protect Against Psoriasis
- Biologic Treatments May Ease Psoriasis
- Experimental Drug May Help Treat Psoriasis
- Psoriasis in Kids Linked to Obesity, Heart Risks
- Vitamin D Treatments Target Psoriasis
- Psoriasis Guidelines Call for Tailored Treatment
- Psoriasis, Heart Disease, and Diabetes: What's the Link?
- Beer Linked to Psoriasis
- Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails
- Stelara Beats Enbrel in Psoriasis Study
- Psoriasis Leads to Emotional Changes in Brain
- Psoriasis May Raise Cardiovascular Risks
- Psoriasis Linked to Hypertension, Diabetes
- Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Tied to Brain Infection
- Psoriasis Drug May Ease Psoriatic Arthritis
- Psoriasis Ointment Gets FDA Approval
- Psoriasis Ointment Gets FDA Approval
- Fat Hormone Linked to Psoriasis
Psoriasis Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
Psoriasis Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
UstekinumabUstekinumab is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Ustekinumab is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis in...learn more »
Betamethasone And Calcipotriene (topical)Betamethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
AdalimumabAdalimumab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation...learn more »
InfliximabInfliximab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation...learn more »
Tazarotene TopicalTazarotene topical (for use on skin) is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and te...learn more »
Calcipotriene TopicalCalcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells...learn more »
Fluorouracil TopicalFluorouracil interferes with the growth of skin cells. Fluorouracil works by causing the death of cells which are growing fastest, such as abnormal skin cell...learn more »
Betamethasone TopicalBetamethasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
Salicylic Acid TopicalSalicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin...learn more »
Clobetasol TopicalClobetasol is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body...learn more »
Dexamethasone (oral)Dexamethasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
PrednisolonePrednisolone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
CyclosporineCyclosporine weakens your body's immune system, to help keep it from "rejecting" a transplanted organ such as a kidney. Organ rejection happens when the imm...learn more »
Psoriasis Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Dandruff
Discover the causes, symptoms, treatment, risk factors, and tests for dandruff, also known as seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. Several shampoos and home reme...learn more »
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes joint inflammation. Medications for RA include salicylates, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, DMARDs, biologi...learn more »
