Psoriasis 101 (23)
Thick, red, scaly skin plaques are the hallmark of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease that can strike at any age, and affect any part of the body covered by skin. The lesions of psoriasis are somewhat difficult to clear even with modern therapy, a problem compounded by the chronic, often lifelong course of the disease.
Do I Have Psoriasis? (12)
Skin findings alone are often enough to make a clinical diagnosis of psoriasis. Other times, careful assessment of nails or joints are needed when skin findings are equivocal. In very confusing cases, a skin biopsy may be helpful but for most patients this will not be necessary.
Preventing Psoriasis (7)
Certain genetic factors may pre-dispose a person to develop psoriasis. Other environmental factors including obesity, diet, infection, medications and stress also play a role. Avoiding these environmental triggers may reduce the risk or severity of breakouts of psoriasis.
Related Conditions (14)
Psoriasis has similarities to several other skin diseases including Reiter's Syndrome and Palmo-Plantar Pustolosis. Differentiating psoriasis from these disorders can be difficult at times.
Treating it Yourself (14)
What are the treatments available for psoriasis that you can try before consulting your doctor? There are many over-the-counter medications which can be useful. Judicious use of natural sunlight, liberal use of moisturizers and even eating a healthier diet may all lead to good improvement in your skin.
Psoriasis Creams (13)
Your doctor's armamentarium includes dozens of topical medications in various vehicles designed for specific body areas and types of psoriasis.
Psoriasis Drugs (30)
When large body surfaces are covered with psoriasis, arthritis is involved, or the lesions are resistant to treatment with topical medications, then systemic treatment is required. Systemic medications are available in the form of pills and injections with recently introduced "biologics" ushering in a new era in psoriasis treatment.
Getting Help (7)
Besides your doctor there are several sources of information and help to assist you in dealing with your psoriasis. Web resources are a great way to start familiarizing yourself with psoriasis and the latest breakthroughs in treatment.
Living with Psoriasis (33)
Coping with a life-altering disease like psoriasis can seem overwhelming at times. Tips on managing psoriasis and the medical and social problems it presents can help make the coping process easier.
Psoriasis FAQs (14)
What are the questions most commonly asked about psoriasis? Here's some questions I frequently hear from my own patients and how I answer them.
