Psoriasis Treatments
The cause of psoriasis is unknown. Besides heredity, scientists speculate that some biochemical malfunction triggers excessive production of skin cells, and generation of blood vessels in the skin accounting for red, thick plaques which develop as part of this disease. Psoriasis can be triggered by a number of factors such as infections, medication, cold weather, emotional turmoil or stress.
Psoriasis occurs in a variety of forms that differ in their intensity, duration, location, shape and type of scale. Most individuals recognize psoriasis as plaques on the elbows and knees that tend to persist and worsen in the winter months. Other forms can be diffuse, or involve selected areas of the scalp, groin, or body folds. Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin and noting specific characteristics of the lesions. Occasionally biopsy as well as other diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is the Disease Treated?
There is no cure for psoriasis, however there are many effective treatments, which include medications applied topically to the skin, injectable medications, oral medications, and systemic therapy such as Ultraviolet- B and PUVA therapy which benefit this disease. In addition, there are certain oral medications, including retinoids, and anti-cancer drugs that can effectively treat this disease.
Recently, it was discovered that the immune system plays a large part in psoriasis, and new and exciting biologic therapies such as Raptiva and Enbrel can be administered by patients at home. Remicade is another type of biologic drug that is administered by infusions in the office. This new class of drug therapy allows for longterm clearing of this disease.
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