Psoriasis is not contagious-it cannot be passed from person to person. However, the exact cause of psoriasis is not known. Most health experts agree that genetic factors play some role in the development of the condition. Approximately one-third of the people who are diagnosed with psoriasis have one or more family members with the condition. Yet it is unclear if genetic factors alone determine the propensity for psoriasis. Many doctors also believe that other factors, such as certain immune response and environmental conditions may play a role in the development of the disease. Other factors that may cause or aggravate psoriasis include climate, skin injuries, stress, infections, or a reaction to certain medications.

Genetics

About one third of patients with psoriasis have a family member who has also been diagnosed with the condition. Thus, those with a family history of psoriasis have an increased chance of developing the disease themselves. When both parents have psoriasis, the child’s risk of developing the disease may increase as much as fifty percent. Many researchers now believe that there are certain genes that are linked to the development of psoriasis.

A recent British study found that a small region of what is known as Chromosome 6 might contain at least one gene that indicates psoriasis susceptibility. Other genes may also be involved in the development of the disease, and there is a great deal of research currently underway to understand more about the role that genetics plays in psoriasis.

Immune Responses

There is also a great deal of evidence to indicate that psoriasis may result from a disorder in the immune system. Our immune system is responsible for the production of white blood cells that protect our bodies from infection. For those with psoriasis, some for the white blood cells (the T cells) abnormally trigger inflammation in the skin. These T cells are also responsible for the excessively rapid skin growth that leads to the development of thickened patches on the outer surface of the skin. Another indicator that the immune system plays a role in psoriasis is that the disease tends to respond to medications that suppress the immune system.

Environmental Factors

The role of environmental factors in the development of psoriasis is not clear. However, there are certain environmental conditions that tend to cause or aggravate a psoriatic flare up. These factors include harsh weather conditions, excessive exposure to the sun, and certain medications.

Climate: Patients who have psoriasis tend to have very dry sensitive skin. This skin is easily irritated by harsh weather conditions such as the cold, dry weather of winter. Most people with psoriasis experience a worsening of symptoms in the winter months, and an improvement in the summer months when there is more hot weather, sunlight, and humidity.

Sunlight: Sunlight is generally considered beneficial to those with psoriasis. So much so that ultraviolet light is often prescribed as a treatment for flare ups. However, some psoriasis sufferers find that strong sunlight aggravates their symptoms. In addition, those with psoriasis tend to have sensitive skin that may be excessively irritated by bad sunburn.

Certain medications: A number of medications have been found to cause or aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. Examples of these medications include NSAIDS (medications such as ibuprofen, or naproxen that are used to relieve inflammation), beta-blockers (drugs used to control high blood pressure), Lithium (a medication used to treat depression), and anti-malarial medications. Be sure to tell your health care provider that you have psoriasis before one of these medications are prescribed for you.

Other Factors

Other factors that may cause or aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis include skin injuries, stress, infections, smoking, alcohol consumption, and hormonal changes.

Skin Injury: An injury to the skin can cause the development of psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, regardless of the actual site of the injury. A skin infection, skin inflammation, a nail injury, or even excessive scratching can trigger psoriasis.

Stress and anxiety: Many people experience a flare up or worsening of psoriasis symptoms when they are under an increased amount of emotional stress.

Infection: Infections, such as the streptococcal infection that causes strep throat, can cause psoriasis to appear suddenly. This type of bacterial infection is linked to a form of psoriasis known as guttate psoriasis in which small, red, tear drop shaped marks appear on the skin.

Smoking: Cigarette smokers have an increased risk of developing chronic plaque psoriasis, and from suffering from symptoms that are last longer and are more severe than non-smokers.

Alcohol: Alcohol is considered a risk factor for the development of psoriasis, particularly in young to middle-aged males.

Hormonal changes: Psoriasis has also been known to fluctuate with a person’s hormonal changes. The frequency of flare ups tends to peak during puberty and menopause. Psoriasis symptoms are also alleviated during pregnancy, and then aggravate again in the postpartum period.

The classic symptoms of psoriasis includes swollen, red patches of skin, or lesions, that are covered with loose, silvery scales. Psoriasis most frequently occurs on the knees and elbows, although it can appear on the skin anywhere throughout the body. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Plaques: Plaques are elevated or swollen areas of skin. They can vary in size from one centimeter to several centimeters. Some people experience only a few plaques at a time, while others develop many plaques all at once. Plaques are usually oval in shape but they may be irregularly shaped as well. Occasionally, several smaller plaques may merge together to form one large affected area. Plaques sometimes have an area around them that looks like a halo or ring. This is known as the Ring of Woronoff. Plaques can occur anywhere, but commonly they occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back.
• Bleeding: The skin in the affected area may become so dry that is begins to crack and bleed. In addition, tiny areas of bleeding may develop when skin scales are picked or scraped off. This is known as Auspitz’s sign.
• Scales: Psoriasis is characterized by loose scales that cover the affected area. These scales are typically dry, thin, and silvery-white. The thickness of the scales may vary from a mild case to a thick crust of scales. When the scales are removed, the skin underneath is usually red, smooth, and glossy.
• Itching: Psoriasis lesions or plaques commonly itch, especially when they develop suddenly, or when they occur in flexural areas of the body such as under the breasts or the buttocks.
• Redness: Skin that is affected by psoriasis is typically a very distinctive salmon-red color. Occasionally, when psoriasis occurs on the legs, the skin may appear to have a blue tint.
• Symmetry: Psoriatic plaques or lesions tend to appear on both sides of the body in the same places. This is known as symmetry. For instance, psoriasis will usually develop on both knees or both elbows at the same time.
• Nail Disorders: Studies show that approximately fifty percent of people with psoriasis also develop nail disorders. Symptoms of nail disorders include pitting; yellowish discoloration; a buildup of skin debris under the nails; or a separation of the end of the nail from the nail bed.
• Scalp: Some people who develop psoriasis will have dry, scaly skin or crusted plaque areas on their scalp. Scalp psoriasis is often confused with seborrheic dermatitis. However, the scales of scalp psoriasis are silvery and dry compared to the yellowish, greasy scales of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Other Symptoms: Psoriasis most common affects the arms, leg, back, and scalp however the condition can actually occur on any body part. Psoriasis can also be found on the genitals or buttocks, under the breasts, or under the arms, causing extreme sensitivity, itching, and burning.

Symptoms in Children

Plaque psoriasis looks slightly different in children compared to adults. Children tend to develop plaques that are not quite as thick and scaly as those found on adults. Psoriasis can develop in the diaper region in young babies and toddlers, and in the folds of skin children. In addition, psoriasis occurs more commonly on the face in children than it does in adults.

There are several types of psoriasis, and each of these is associated with its own unique set of symptoms. The symptoms for each type of psoriasis may vary in duration and severity.

• Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is characterized by skin lesions that are red at the base and covered by silvery scales. Approximately ninety percent of people who suffer from psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is thought to be triggered by an upper respiratory infection such as strep throat. The condition causes small, drop-shaped lesions that typically appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis often clears up only to recur as plaque psoriasis.
• Pustular Psoriasis: In rare cases, the patches of dry, scaly skin can crack and have pus on top of them. These blisters of noninfectious pus are characteristic of pustular psoriasis. This condition may be triggered by an infection, stress, or a reaction to certain medications or chemicals.
• Inverse Psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis develops as the result of friction of excessive rubbing on the skin. Smooth, red patches of skin generally occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Sweating may worsen the symptoms of inverse psoriasis.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe skin reaction to a sunburn or to certain medications may cause the development of erythrodermic psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is characterized by widespread reddening and scaling of the skin.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints as well as on the skin.

Psoriasis is caused by the unusually rapid growth of skin cells that can build up on the skin’s surface. This causes thick, silvery or scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but it strikes most often on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet and lower back. This condition causes itching and severe discomfort.

Depending upon where on the body psoriasis occurs, it can also cause embarrassment and impede one’s ability to work or perform daily activities. Psoriasis can greatly affect a sufferer’s quality of life as it affects everything in a patient’s daily life from one’s choice of clothes, to occupational opportunities, to his or her quality of sleep. Psoriasis affects roughly four and a half million Americans.

There are many remedies that can help patients alleviate the physical discomforts of psoriasis. But for emotional support, it is necessary for people who suffer from psoriasis to connect with others who are also afflicted with the condition. Psoriasis connections through local support groups, online chat centers, or one-on-one meetings help psoriasis sufferers learn about the latest medical advice and research regarding their condition. Staying in touch with others who are afflicted with psoriasis also provides much needed emotional support.

Education and Research

Connecting with other people who are affected by psoriasis is an excellent way to learn more about your condition and the treatment options that are available. Psoriasis support groups and chat rooms can keep you in touch with the latest medical advice and resources for your condition. For example, significant progress has been made in understanding the causes of psoriasis. Researchers now understand that there are actually a number of genes that play a role in the development of this condition.

There is a great emphasis on learning more about these genes and the exact combination of genetic influences that result in psoriasis. Researchers are also studying new treatment methods that can be used to reduce the inflammation that is caused by psoriasis. Some new treatment options that are being considered are those that block the activity of T cells or the proteins within the blood that promote inflammation. There are currently a number of drugs in clinical trials that are awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I personally do not believe or endorse the use of these drugs.

Another treatment option that is emerging for the treatment of psoriasis uses laser technology. Advances in the use of lasers have made it possible for health care providers to experiment with the use of laser light treatment on psoriatic localized plaques. Testing on Ultraviolet B lasers is underway in an effort to study the effectiveness and side effects on patients with psoriasis. At present, the results of laser surgery for psoriasis are mixed. Some patients have noted improvements in their psoriatic outbreaks, while others have experienced side effects such as inflammation, blistering, and discoloration following treatment.

Connecting with other individuals who are afflicted with psoriasis can keep you in touch with this information and allow you to more effectively evaluate the treatment option that might work well for you and your condition.

Emotional Support

The most important aspect about connecting with others in a psoriasis support group is the emotional benefit it brings to those who are affected by the condition. People with psoriasis are often embarrassed or even ostracized because of their condition. Even though psoriasis is not infectious in any way, people who are unfamiliar with the disease may be fearful of infection if they see someone with a psoriatic outbreak. It can be very distressing and alienating to those who suffer from psoriasis.

A connection with others can help them work through their feelings and learn methods for dealing with potentially embarrassing social situations. Some individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from counseling or participation in a support group to reduce self-consciousness about their appearance or relieve psychological distress resulting from fear of social rejection.

The Psoriasis Connection…Where Can You Learn More About Psoriasis?

Psoriasis support groups may be advertised locally through hospitals, libraries, or your health care provider’s office. In addition, the web is a great source of information for those who are interested in learning more about psoriasis and connecting with others who are afflicted with the condition.

There are a number of claims and theories surrounding the potential link between psoriasis and diet. It can be difficult to evaluate the role that diet plays in the development or treatment of the condition, because there are so many other factors that can affect one’s reaction to a particular diet or dietary supplement. In addition, a dietary substance can act as a remedy for one person and a psoriasis trigger for someone else.

There are several foods and dietary supplements that you can experiment with to help with psoriasis. But be sure to check with your natural health care provider before making any changes to your diet or adding any new supplement to your diet. Be sure to avoid any dietary regimen that calls for extreme measures such as fasting or routine enemas as these can be harmful to your health.

Beware of Miracle Diets

Specialized diets for the treatment of psoriasis are detailed in hundreds of websites and books, even though there is no direct evidence that any one diet will cure the condition. The development of psoriasis has been linked to such foods as sugar, alcohol, junk food, gluten products, tomatoes, coffee, and eggs. There are also many foods that are associated with an improvement of psoriasis symptoms. These foods include herbal teas, zinc supplements, fish oil capsules, milk thistle, shark cartilage, and turmeric.

Any diet that that reduces your consumption of junk foods and alcohol is likely to be beneficial for your health. In this sense, it will not hurt to experiment with a psoriasis diet, as long as you have obtained your health care provider’s approval. But beware of diets that call for extreme measures such as fasting or routine enemas. These diets can be dangerous for your health, and there is no indication that they will actually work.

Zinc Supplements

In the late 1960s, researchers examined the role of zinc deficiency in the development of psoriasis. The skin holds roughly one-fifth of the body’s zinc supply. And other mammals have demonstrated scaly plaques and other skin problems when they experience a zinc deficiency. For example, rats and mice that are deficient in zinc develop a skin condition that is very similar to human psoriasis. The United States Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 15 milligrams (mg). Yet, most Americans do not consume this amount. A zinc supplement may be beneficial in improving the symptoms of psoriasis but there is no direct evidence that this links exists. I recommend Zinc Orotate available by special order through www.ghchealth.com.

Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements have many nutritional benefits for the skin as well as the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Fish oil contains a large dose of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid.) Multiple studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of fish oil capsules for the treatment of psoriasis. A study published in The Lancet in 1988 noted that psoriasis patients who took ten fish oil capsules daily for eight weeks had “significant lessening” of itching, redness and scaling. Patients in the control group who took ten olive oil capsules saw no significant improvement in their condition.

In another study, about sixty percent of the people surveyed noted that the area and thickness of their psoriatic plaques decreased, as did the redness and itching, after adding fish oil capsules to their diets. Be sure to check with your health care professional before trying any new nutritional product. Fish oil capsules are sold over the counter in health and natural food stores nationwide.

Organic Milk Thistle

Psoriasis involves the over activation of the white blood cells known as T-cells. These cells cause inflammation and the excessive re-growth of skin cells. Milk thistle has been shown to inhibit the activation of T-cells; therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis. However, no specific studies have been conducted regarding this supplement and psoriasis. Milk thistle can be purchased over-the-counter at health food stores in tablet or fluid extract form. Is herb is not directly associated with any adverse side effects; however, you should still consult your health care provider before adding it to your diet.

Shark cartilage

Shark cartilage may play a role in the inhibition of new blood vessel development. This may be helpful in controlling psoriatic lesions. Shark cartilage is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Shark cartilage is usually taken in pill form. It can be found online or at most health food stores.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for years in traditional Chinese medicine for the relief of pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is used frequently in the treatment of arthritis, and it may also be useful for those who suffer from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Turmeric is a natural spice that is used in most curry recipes. It can be found in capsule found and taken as a dietary supplement.

There are numerous skin creams and lotions that are available over the counter for the treatment of psoriasis. But how do you know which one will work best for you? First and foremost, you should always check with your dermatologist or natural health care provider before trying any over-the-counter product for psoriasis. Your physician can advise you about the severity of your condition and the likelihood that a certain product or preparation will work.

Basically, when you are choosing a product, you should look for one that will provide the most comprehensive amount of moisture to your skin. Skin that is moisturized is less prone to cracking and other trauma. Ointments, creams, and lotions can be used to seal in the skin’s natural moisture, especially after washing your hands. Treating psoriasis requires the use of a bath product that contains emollients and water-binding agents. The addition of other ingredients such as sunscreen, anti-irritants, and antioxidants may also be useful in treating your condition.

• Organic Emollients are ingredients that are used to lubricate the skin and enhance the skin’s natural ability to lubricate itself. Popular emollient ingredients that are helpful for those with psoriasis include organic plant oils, shea butter, and animal oils such as emu, mink, and lanolin.
• Organic Anti-irritant ingredients are often added to products that are created for the treatment of psoriasis. Vitamins and herbs such as allantoin, burdock root, aloe, licorice root, grape extract, green tea, vitamin C, lavender extract, chamomile extract, and willow bark can be used to soothe irritated skin and alleviate the pain and itching of psoriasis.
• Antioxidants, such as selenium, superoxide dismutase, vitamin A (retinyl palmitate and retinol), vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl palmitate), beta glucan, vitamin E (a-tocopherol, tocotrienol), curcumin, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, green tea, and grape extract, help to slow down the rapid regeneration of skin cells that is associated with psoriasis.

Psoriasis Preparations

Specialized psoriasis preparations can also be used for psoriasis skin care. Natural soaps, oils, creams, ointments and even shampoos may contain ingredients that help to clear up psoriasis and reduce the incidence of flare-ups. These ingredients include:

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a popular ingredient that is often used to soother irritated skin. A skin care study performed in Sweden found that a topical skin care cream that contained 0.5% aloe vera dramatically improved the symptoms of psoriasis in over eighty percent of the patients surveyed.
• Oatmeal: This common ingredient can be used to lightly exfoliate the skin, reduce itching, and soothe skin that is irritated by psoriasis.
• Sea Salts: Sea salts are mineral exfoliates that help to loosen and remove scales from psoriasis and improve the overall condition of the skin.

Psoriasis Skin Care in the Winter

Winter can be very harsh to the skin, even for those with normal and unproblematic skin. But for those with psoriasis, the winter weather can bring a new set of challenges and psoriatic outbreaks. Environmental conditions are unforgiving in the winter, bringing cold, windy weather and dry, indoor heat. These conditions rob the skin of moisturize and aggravate or cause psoriatic flare ups. In addition, the immune system is often compromised in the winter due to an increased frequency in colds, influenza, and emotional stress during the holidays. Special care should be taken in the winter months to monitor the skin for psoriatic flare-ups.

Psoriasis Skin Care and Shaving

It may be difficult to imagine shaving skin that is affected by psoriasis. However, it is important to one’s overall sense of esteem and confidence to be well groomed. Shaving options for those with psoriasis are the same as for those with normal skin, however more care should be taken to avoid irritation, cuts, and other kinds of trauma to the skin. Electric razors may be gentler to the skin than traditional straight razors.

Waxing and tweezing are also possible, however they are very irritating to the skin and they may cause or irritate a psoriatic outbreak. Products that contain depilatory ingredients to remove hair can be harsh to the skin and problematic for people with psoriasis. The most important things to remember when shaving are to take special care to avoid cutting yourself and be sure to use a gentle natural moisturizer such as “Parfait Visage” to reduce irritation and replace moisture to the skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that is characterized by an abnormally rapid proliferation of skin cells. This causes patches of thickened, itchy, red skin that is covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis affects about two to three percent of the general population in the United States. It can affect men and women of all ages and races. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly depending upon the location of the condition and the percentage of the body that is covered with psoriatic lesions.

Psoriasis tends to be symptomatic throughout one’s life, causing recurrent flare-ups and episodes. The condition is not curable, but there are several remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and control flare-ups. These remedies will not permanently cure the condition, but they can alleviate the pain, itching, and sensitivity of skin that is affected by psoriasis. Psoriasis remedies include bath products, medications, acupuncture, ultraviolet light therapy, and evolving surgical procedures.

Bath Products

Psoriasis causes itchy and painful lesions on the skin that can be somewhat alleviated with the use of organic bath salts and organic moisturizers that you purchase from your local health food store. These products can be used to moisturize the skin and soothe pain and itching of psoriasis. However, they will not usually completely eliminate or clear up a psoriatic outbreak.

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

Depending upon the location and severity of the condition, your health care provider may recommend ultraviolet light therapy either on its own or in combination with other treatment options. Natural sunlight can be quite effective in the treatment of psoriasis, as can office sessions using artificial ultraviolet light.

Ultraviolet works to clear up psoriatic flare-ups by killing off activated T-cells within the skin. This process reduces inflammation and slows down the regeneration of skin cells that causes scaling. Brief exposure to ultraviolet light on a regular basis can therefore help to clear up psoriasis and improve the condition for most patients. Ultraviolet B or UVB light has a short wavelength and can be used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. Physicians often used this treatment method instead of topical agents to treat widespread psoriasis, or for lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of light therapy can be performed in a doctor’s office using a light panel or light box.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that uses specialized needles that are placed at specific pressure points in the body to relieve pain and treat disease. Some people have experienced effective relief from psoriasis using acupuncture, while others report no effect at all.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition producing patches of thickened, itchy skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can occur on the scalp, knees, elbows, buttocks, and back. Sometimes, it can even occur in areas such as the armpits, genitals, eyebrows, navel, or nails. Psoriasis is a life long condition that will recur and vary in severity throughout one’s life.

Like other chronic skin disorders, you should consult your health care professional before trying any new home remedy for psoriasis. Here are some strategies you can try.

Moisturize: The most important thing you can do at home to help problem psoriasis is to make sure your skin is adequately moisturized. Skin that is affected by psoriasis is very dry and sensitive. It can be easily aggravated by harsh weather conditions, soaps, creams, or even sweating. Emollients help your skin retain water. They are most effective when they are applied right after bathing, when your skin is still wet.

Solace From The Sun: Most people that suffer from psoriasis notice a distinct difference in the condition between the winter and summer months. In fact, regular doses of summer sun, is helpful in improving psoriasis for about ninety-five percent of people who have this condition. Ultraviolet light from the sun helps to keep skin dry and warm, to important factors in clearing up psoriasis. However, you should use caution when exposing yourself to the sun.

The ultraviolet rays that help to clear up psoriasis are the one’s that are responsible for sunburns, premature aging, and other types of skin damage. One answer is to use adequate natural sunscreen on the skin that is not affected by psoriasis. Another option is to purchase a small UVB sunlamp to treat only the patches of your skin that have psoriasis. UVA light, like that used in most tanning parlors, is weaker than UVB light and it takes longer to work.

Stay Calm: There is significant evidence to indicate that psoriasis can be triggered by stress. So any remedy you can use to de-stress your life can help to improve your condition. Deep breathing, exercise, and mediation are calming techniques that can be used to reduce stress and subsequently treat psoriasis.

Get Fishy: Adding fish oil capsules to your diet is an excellent way to obtain the nutritional benefits of the fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid.) In one study, about sixty percent of the people studied noted that the area and thickness of their psoriatic plaques decreased, as did the redness and itching, after adding fish oil capsules to their diets. Be sure to check with your health care professional before trying any new nutritional product. Another good way to get EPA into your diet is to increase your consumption of fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Psoriasis is a life long condition that might continue to recur throughout one’s life. It may be to difficult to accept that your skin will never be perfect; however, adopting this attitude will allow you to focus your attention on controlling your condition and keep it from becoming serious. Try not to waste your time or energy trying to cover up or get rid of every psoriatic lesion. This will only leave you feeling stressed out and frustrated.

If you suffer from Psoriasis, you are not alone. Approximately 2-3% of the United States population suffers from this common skin ailment. That is almost 8 million people! Whether you are newly diagnosed with the condition, or have been suffering for a few years, there is relief out there. The key is to research all of your options and find a knowledgeable doctor that can help you explore your options.

Psoriasis has been known to afflict individuals of all races, sex, and age groups, though the majority of sufferers are adults. The condition begins when skin cells quickly rise from below the surface and begin to pile up on the surface before they have a chance to fully mature. While in a normal adult, the process takes about a month, a person suffering from Psoriasis can have this occur within a week. This excess growth of cells can lead to patches of thick inflamed skin, covered with silvery scales. They often itch and are very sore to the touch. Most sufferers have these patches on their elbows, knees, legs, lower back, etc.

Psoriasis can also affect fingernails, toenails, and the genitals. It is said that approximately 1 million people suffer from a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints.

The first step to getting treatment is to get diagnosed. Many physicians overlook Psoriasis because it appears similar to other skin diseases. There are many different forms of Psoriasis, which can range from smooth red patches to oozing lesions. The most reliable method of diagnosis involves a small skin sample. The doctor will look at it under a microscope to confirm.

Once you are diagnosed with Psoriasis, you can begin treatment. There are several different options, and depending on the severity of the condition, you may need several different mediations or treatments at a time. There are basically three different kinds of treatments available. These include topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications:

• Corticosteroids
• Calcipotriene
• Retinoid
• Coal tar
• Anthralin
• Salicylic acid
• Clobetasol propionate
• Bath solutions
• Moisturizers
• Light therapy- natural and artificial
• Immune suppressing treatments taken orally

While there is no known cure, there have been some major breakthroughs in the field of study. New medications and treatment options are popping up every day, and a cure is just right around the corner. Laser therapy has become extremely popular, and you can expect to see them integrated into your treatment plan in the near future.

The key is to find out what works for you. Many Psoriasis sufferers can benefit from group therapy. They can discuss their thoughts and feelings about having the condition, and form a support group of others going through the same problems. Online research and support groups are also very popular. The more you know about your condition, the better prepared you are for what lies ahead. So do a search on your favorite search engine and discuss your options with your doctor.

Adam Short is freelance writer and creator of http://www.psoriasiswatch.info – a site providing the latest news and facts about psoriasis.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Psoriasis is a life long condition that is most often treated with medication, either on its own, or in combination with other forms of therapy. There are several types of psoriasis medication and they can be found in both over the counter and prescription strengths. In general, psoriasis medication can be described as either topical, meaning it is applied directly to the skin and will only affect the desired area, or systemic, meaning that the medication will affect the entire body. Read on to learn more about the different types of psoriasis medication that are available, and decide if one is right for you.

Topical Psoriasis Medications

Topical psoriasis medications are can be effective in the treatment of the condition. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from your health care provider.

Anthralin: This psoriasis medication is available by prescription only. It is very effective in treating plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition. And while it does not work as quickly or as efficiently as topical steroids, it also does not produce the negative side effects that are often associated with these medications (see below.) Author Comment: Contains harmful chemicals!

Donovex: Donovex is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that is available by prescription. It works by slowing down the rate of cell growth and removing the scales that develop with psoriasis.

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is available in both over the counter and prescription strengths. It helps to remove the scales of psoriasis and it is most often used in combination with other psoriasis medications such as anthralin, topical steroids, or coal tar.

Coal Tar: Tar is widely regarded as the traditional treatment for psoriasis. It can be used to treat any form of the condition, regardless of the location or severity.

Tazorac: This psoriasis medication is available by prescription only. It is a derivative of vitamin A that is also referred to as a topical retinoid. Tazorac comes in both cream and gel forms.

Topical Steroids: Topical steroids, or corticosteroids, are commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis. These psoriasis medications usually work quickly and effectively, but they are also associated with a number of negative side effects, such as skin thinning, changes in skin pigmentation, stretch marks, easy bruising, dilated blood vessels, facial psoriasis, and other types of skin damage. They come in varying strengths, ranging from super-potent, to less potent. As with many medications, it is possible that you will continually need stronger and stronger doses of topical steroids in order for them to remain effective. The following potency chart below list the potencies of a variety of steroid medications used to treat psoriasis.

Systemic Psoriasis Medications

Systemic medications can also be used to treat psoriasis, although more precautions must be taken when using these drugs, as they tend to affect the entire body, rather than just the afflicted area.

Cyclosporine: This psoriasis medication is available by prescription. It was originally approved in 1995 to help prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Since 1997, it has also be used for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methotrexate: This systemic psoriasis medication was also originally created for a different purpose. It was initially used to treat cancer, but was also approved for the treatment of psoriasis in the 1970s.

Soriatane: Soriatane is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is also referred to as an oral retinoid. It has been used for the treatment of psoriasis since the 1980s.

Accutane: Accutane is another prescription oral retinoid that is also used for the treatment of cystic acne.

Other Systemic Psoriasis Medications: Hydrea, mycophenolate mofetil, sulfasalazine, 6-Thioguanine

Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure available for the permanent treatment of psoriasis. However there are many different treatment options that can be used to control psoriasis outbreaks. Some treatment methods require a prescription from your health care provider, but others can be tried at home with items found at your local pharmacy or natural health food store. Traditional treatment options for psoriasis include topical and systemic medications, biological preparations, and phototherapy. Alternative treatment methods are also available. These include acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, herbal preparations, and homeopathic remedies.

The most important thing to remember about treating psoriasis is that no one treatment will work for everyone. The goal is to find a treatment that works the best with the fewest side effects. Talk with your health care provider to diagnose the severity of your condition, and find the treatment option that is right for you.

Read on to learn more about the different treatment options that are available for the control and relief of psoriasis outbreaks.

Topical Psoriasis Treatments

Topical treatments are those that are applied directly to the skin. They are usually used as a first line of defense to control psoriasis, as health care providers will often prescribe them first for mild to moderate cases of the condition. These medications or preparations can be used normalize the rate of cells reproduction within the skin and reduce any redness or inflammation that may be associated with the condition.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is another possible treatment option for patients who suffer from psoriasis. This method involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It is often used in combination with topical preparations.

Systemic Psoriasis Treatments

Systemic medications can also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. They are medications that affect the entire body and they are usually reserved for treating patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Systemic medications include Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Soriatane, Accutane, Hydrea, Mycophenolate mofetil, Sulfasalazine, and 6-Thioguanine. These a very dangerous methods!

Biological Psoriasis Treatments

Some psoriasis medications are developed from biologic, or living, sources, such as cells. This is in contrast to the medications that are created from combinations of chemicals. Biologics may be sued to block the immune system responses that are involved in psoriasis.

Alternative Approaches

• Acupuncture

  This technique involves manipulating needles that are inserted into the body. The needles are placed at specific locations or acupressure points to relieve pain and treat disease.

• Ayurvedic Medicine

  This type of medicine is an ancient healing method that was originally practiced in India more than 5,000 years ago. It encourages a return to balance in one’s body through diet, herbs, lifestyle and “right thinking.”

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

  Chinese medicine utilizes herbal preparations for the treatment of psoriasis. Usually, each preparation will be specially suited to each patient depending upon the severity of their condition and the affect on other aspects of the sufferer�s health.

• Homeopathic Medicine

  Homeopathy is a school of medicine based on the premise that “like cures like.” Preparations including petroleum, sulfur and nickel are often used in very diluted forms in the treatment of psoriasis.