Glossary of Psoriasis Terms
Understanding psoriasis means understanding an entire lexicon of dermatologic descriptors used to define the rashes and lesions involved.
Systemic Psoriasis Treatments
Treatments that are taken internally to treat psoriasis patients are called "systemic agents" in contrast to those which are applied to the skin which are termed "topical treatments."
Treatments that are taken internally to treat psoriasis patients are called "systemic agents" in contrast to those which are applied to the skin which are termed "topical treatments."
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A-derived drugs for use in treating skin diseases.
Retinoids are vitamin A-derived drugs for use in treating skin diseases.
Interleukins
Interleukins are chemicals produced by while blood cells to modulate inflammation and the immune response.
Interleukins are chemicals produced by while blood cells to modulate inflammation and the immune response.
Inverse Psoriasis
Psoriasis of skin folds such as the armpits is termed inverse psoriasis. It has a different appearance than more typical psoriasis of the elbows and knees
Psoriasis of skin folds such as the armpits is termed inverse psoriasis. It has a different appearance than more typical psoriasis of the elbows and knees
Exfoliative Erythroderma - Red and Scaly from Head to Toe
Exfoliative erythroderma is a condition where the entire skin turns brigth red and becomes scaly. Psoriasis is the most common cause of this condition.
Exfoliative erythroderma is a condition where the entire skin turns brigth red and becomes scaly. Psoriasis is the most common cause of this condition.
Plaque-Type Psoriasis
Plaque-Type Psoriasis is the most common form of the disease. Red scaly plaques are typically found on the elbows and knees.
Plaque-Type Psoriasis is the most common form of the disease. Red scaly plaques are typically found on the elbows and knees.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis which may require hospitalization or the use of strong systemic medications
Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis which may require hospitalization or the use of strong systemic medications
Biologics
Biologic therapies are cutting edge designer protein molecules designed to interact with white blood cells and related inflammatory signals in order to reduce their activity in psoriasis and other diseases.
Biologic therapies are cutting edge designer protein molecules designed to interact with white blood cells and related inflammatory signals in order to reduce their activity in psoriasis and other diseases.
TNF alpha
TNF alpha is a natural compound our bodies use to boost the immune system. It is increased in times of infection or when fighting cancer. Excess TNF alpha is seen in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and psoriasis.
TNF alpha is a natural compound our bodies use to boost the immune system. It is increased in times of infection or when fighting cancer. Excess TNF alpha is seen in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and psoriasis.
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens)
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases. These markers are also critical in matching organ transplant donors to their recipients.
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases. These markers are also critical in matching organ transplant donors to their recipients.