Psoriasis: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Psoriasis Treatment by Region
When it comes to treating psoriasis on different areas of the body, the specific characteristics of these parts must be addressed. Learn more about treating psoriasis on different parts of the body, including the scalp, nails, hands, feet, face, and genitals.
When it comes to treating psoriasis on different areas of the body, the specific characteristics of these parts must be addressed. Learn more about treating psoriasis on different parts of the body, including the scalp, nails, hands, feet, face, and genitals.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Your dermatologist may easily recognize a typical plaque of Psoriasis on site, but for the untrained eye this will be more difficult. What are the key features of Psoriasis and what are the signs and symptoms to look for?
Your dermatologist may easily recognize a typical plaque of Psoriasis on site, but for the untrained eye this will be more difficult. What are the key features of Psoriasis and what are the signs and symptoms to look for?
Diet and Psoriasis
Does diet affect Psoriasis? If so what dietary changes may be beneficial to persons suffering from this disease?
Does diet affect Psoriasis? If so what dietary changes may be beneficial to persons suffering from this disease?
Psoriasis vs. Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema share the common traits of being chronic, red scaly skin conditions. How are they different?
Psoriasis and eczema share the common traits of being chronic, red scaly skin conditions. How are they different?
Topical Treatments
Psoriasis creams can be over-the-counter or prescription. They are generally recommended for patients who have less than 10% body surface area affected with psoriasis.
Psoriasis creams can be over-the-counter or prescription. They are generally recommended for patients who have less than 10% body surface area affected with psoriasis.
Prevention
Genetics, environment or both? Are there some risk factors for psoriasis that can be modified to help either prevent psoriasis develop or become more severe?
Genetics, environment or both? Are there some risk factors for psoriasis that can be modified to help either prevent psoriasis develop or become more severe?
Psoriasis Mimics
Other skin diseases besides psoriasis can cause inflammation and scaling of the skin, however subtle clues are usually enough to distinguish these mimics from true psoriasis. Your dermatologist is an expert at making this diagnosis, and if any confusion exists, they are able to do a skin biopsy to poinpoint the diagnosis.
Other skin diseases besides psoriasis can cause inflammation and scaling of the skin, however subtle clues are usually enough to distinguish these mimics from true psoriasis. Your dermatologist is an expert at making this diagnosis, and if any confusion exists, they are able to do a skin biopsy to poinpoint the diagnosis.
Soriatane (acetretin)
Soriatane (acetretin) is a drug for psoriasis adapted from vitamin A. It is an oral pill form of treatment suitable for treating more severe forms of psoriasis. Women of child-bearing years should not take Soriatane due to the risk of birth defects.
Soriatane (acetretin) is a drug for psoriasis adapted from vitamin A. It is an oral pill form of treatment suitable for treating more severe forms of psoriasis. Women of child-bearing years should not take Soriatane due to the risk of birth defects.
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
How does your doctor diagnose psoriasis? What sort of measures are used to evaluate the disease as well as the progress and results of treatment?
How does your doctor diagnose psoriasis? What sort of measures are used to evaluate the disease as well as the progress and results of treatment?
Choosing a Biologic
Biologic drugs for psoriasis differ in their beneficial as well as side effects. Choosing the right biologic for the job requires a review of the different biologic drugs to know which is right for you.
Biologic drugs for psoriasis differ in their beneficial as well as side effects. Choosing the right biologic for the job requires a review of the different biologic drugs to know which is right for you.
Scalp Psoriasis
About half of patients with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis. Treatment of such a hairy area can be difficult, and scalp psoriasis is notoriously stubborn. Learn more about this condition and the scalp psoriasis treatment options that are available.
About half of patients with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis. Treatment of such a hairy area can be difficult, and scalp psoriasis is notoriously stubborn. Learn more about this condition and the scalp psoriasis treatment options that are available.
Images
Photographs of various types of psoriasis
Photographs of various types of psoriasis
Coal Tar
Coal Tar products have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases for over a century. They are the original anti-inflammatory skin medication.
Coal Tar products have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases for over a century. They are the original anti-inflammatory skin medication.
Psoriasis - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Psoriasis guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Psoriasis guide site.
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis can cause pitting, lifting, oil-spotting and thickening of finger and toenails.
Psoriasis can cause pitting, lifting, oil-spotting and thickening of finger and toenails.
and oldie but goodie
Psoriatec is the brand of anthralin, an old fashioned but still useful topical treatment for psoriasis
Psoriatec is the brand of anthralin, an old fashioned but still useful topical treatment for psoriasis
Excimer Laser
A new laser called the 308nm excimer laser offers effective treatment for smaller but stubborn areas of psoriasis
A new laser called the 308nm excimer laser offers effective treatment for smaller but stubborn areas of psoriasis
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.
Protopic and Elidel
Protopic and Elidel are FDA approved topical medications for the treatment of eczema. They can be used and are sometimes quite useful for treatment of psoriasis, especially for those areas where steroids should be avoided.
Protopic and Elidel are FDA approved topical medications for the treatment of eczema. They can be used and are sometimes quite useful for treatment of psoriasis, especially for those areas where steroids should be avoided.
Keratolytics for Psoriasis
Keratolytics are medications designed to dissolve or loosen skin flakes. Most keratolytics are available over-the-counter, making them ideal for easy, at-home care.
Keratolytics are medications designed to dissolve or loosen skin flakes. Most keratolytics are available over-the-counter, making them ideal for easy, at-home care.
Treating Psoriasis
Psoriasis treatment can include not just topical creams and ointments, but pills and injections as well. Besides these medicines, physical treatment using artificial or natural sunlight can also help clear psoriasis.
Psoriasis treatment can include not just topical creams and ointments, but pills and injections as well. Besides these medicines, physical treatment using artificial or natural sunlight can also help clear psoriasis.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids come in many strengths and varieties. Learn more about these creams and how they treat psoriasis.
Topical corticosteroids come in many strengths and varieties. Learn more about these creams and how they treat psoriasis.
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pityriasis rubra pilaris, or PRP as it is commonly called, is a relatively rare chronic skin disease sometimes confused with psoriasis.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris, or PRP as it is commonly called, is a relatively rare chronic skin disease sometimes confused with psoriasis.
Taclonex
Taclonex (Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate) is a combination ointment for psoriasis consisting of both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid drugs.
Taclonex (Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate) is a combination ointment for psoriasis consisting of both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid drugs.
General Health and Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients and their doctors need to be aware of the other health risks associated with having psoriasis.
Psoriasis patients and their doctors need to be aware of the other health risks associated with having psoriasis.
What is it?
What is psoriasis? Who gets psoriasis and why? What makes psoriasis better? Is psoriasis contagious? Get the basics on psoriasis.
What is psoriasis? Who gets psoriasis and why? What makes psoriasis better? Is psoriasis contagious? Get the basics on psoriasis.
Genital Psoriasis in Men
Psoriasis affects any body part covered with skin including the genitalia. In these areas, the symptoms, appearance, and treatment of psoriasis may differ that those of other body areas.
Psoriasis affects any body part covered with skin including the genitalia. In these areas, the symptoms, appearance, and treatment of psoriasis may differ that those of other body areas.
Exfoliative Erythroderma
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.
Treating it Yourself
There are several things you can do to improve your skin if you suffer from psoriasis.
There are several things you can do to improve your skin if you suffer from psoriasis.
Tazarotene
Tazorotene is a topical retinoid, available as a cream or gel, designed to treat psoriasis. It is also marketed for acne and as a wrinkle-fighting cream.
Tazorotene is a topical retinoid, available as a cream or gel, designed to treat psoriasis. It is also marketed for acne and as a wrinkle-fighting cream.
Humira (Adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) is approved for treating psoriatic arthritis and will likely soon be approved for psoriasis.
Humira (adalimumab) is approved for treating psoriatic arthritis and will likely soon be approved for psoriasis.
PASI Score
The PASI score or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index is often quoted in clinical trials as a measure of improvement under treatment
The PASI score or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index is often quoted in clinical trials as a measure of improvement under treatment
Caclipotriene
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative for treating psoriasis
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative for treating psoriasis
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
Phototherapy
Artificial ultraviolet light with and without concurrent light-sensitizing drugs can be effective in treating psoriasis. For the most part, side effects are limited to the skin, reducing worries regarding long-term internal complications which are sometimes seen with other systemic treatments.
Artificial ultraviolet light with and without concurrent light-sensitizing drugs can be effective in treating psoriasis. For the most part, side effects are limited to the skin, reducing worries regarding long-term internal complications which are sometimes seen with other systemic treatments.
Living with Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis involves not just treatment and the impact life and work, but dealing with the emotional aspects of the disease.
Living with psoriasis involves not just treatment and the impact life and work, but dealing with the emotional aspects of the disease.
Trauma and the Skin
Koebnerization is a phenomenon whereby a rash (such as psoriasis) is induced by injuring the skin. Avoiding trauma to the skin can help minimize psoriasis in many people.
Koebnerization is a phenomenon whereby a rash (such as psoriasis) is induced by injuring the skin. Avoiding trauma to the skin can help minimize psoriasis in many people.
Heliotherapy
Heliotherapy takes advantage of natural sunlight's ability to treat psoriasis. Judicious use of sunlight, without burning, is very effective at clearing psoriasis with little costs, other than if work is missed.
Heliotherapy takes advantage of natural sunlight's ability to treat psoriasis. Judicious use of sunlight, without burning, is very effective at clearing psoriasis with little costs, other than if work is missed.
Biologic Drugs
Several biologic drugs for psoriasis are now available each with their own individual profiles and features.
Several biologic drugs for psoriasis are now available each with their own individual profiles and features.
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis is believed to be tied to genetics. What triggers psoriasis, however, may be known or unknown, depending on the individual.
Psoriasis is believed to be tied to genetics. What triggers psoriasis, however, may be known or unknown, depending on the individual.
Biologics
Biologic therapies are cutting edge 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 protein molecules designed to interact with white blood cells and related inflammatory signals in order to reduce their activity in psoriasis and other diseases.
Drugs to Avoid
Which drugs can worsen psoriasis and should be avoided in persons with this diagnosis?
Which drugs can worsen psoriasis and should be avoided in persons with this diagnosis?
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.
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.
A Historical Look
Psoriasis has been around probably as long as we have. What did doctors think of psoriasis decades or centuries ago?
Psoriasis has been around probably as long as we have. What did doctors think of psoriasis decades or centuries ago?
Enbrel (Etanercept)
Enbrel (Etanercept) is the number one systemic psoriasis drug prescribed by dermatologist. It is also quite effective for psoriatic arthritis.
Enbrel (Etanercept) is the number one systemic psoriasis drug prescribed by dermatologist. It is also quite effective for psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Many patients with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can be destructive to joints and, in the long run, disabling.
Many patients with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can be destructive to joints and, in the long run, disabling.
Psoriasis Flare
Sometimes psoriasis suddenly and dramatically worsen. Such episodes are known as flares.
Sometimes psoriasis suddenly and dramatically worsen. Such episodes are known as flares.
Depression in Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients are more prone to many different medical conditions including depression.
Psoriasis patients are more prone to many different medical conditions including depression.
Seeing your Doctor
Getting the most out of your doctor visit requires a little bit of planning and some background preparation. This extra effort will pay off in a more productive visit.
Getting the most out of your doctor visit requires a little bit of planning and some background preparation. This extra effort will pay off in a more productive visit.
Humira REVEAL Study
Abbott's Humira was studied in psoriasis in a trial called REVEAL and the results showed the drug to be both quick and effective
Abbott's Humira was studied in psoriasis in a trial called REVEAL and the results showed the drug to be both quick and effective
Efalizumab
Raptiva (Efalizumab) is a biologic psoriasis treatment which works well in many patients with [link url=http://psoriasis.about.com/od/glossary/g/plaqueglossary.htm ]plaque-type psoriasis[/link]. Certain patients may be especially suitable for treatment with this drug, including overweight patients, and patients with severe hand, foot and scalp psoriasis.
Raptiva (Efalizumab) is a biologic psoriasis treatment which works well in many patients with [link url=http://psoriasis.about.com/od/glossary/g/plaqueglossary.htm ]plaque-type psoriasis[/link]. Certain patients may be especially suitable for treatment with this drug, including overweight patients, and patients with severe hand, foot and scalp psoriasis.
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
Ustekinumab
Ustekinumab is a biologic drug for psoriasis currently in development with very long lasting results
Ustekinumab is a biologic drug for psoriasis currently in development with very long lasting results
What's in a Name
Psoriasis seems like such an odd word. Why is psoriasis called psoriasis?
Psoriasis seems like such an odd word. Why is psoriasis called psoriasis?
Tatoos and Psoriasis
Tattoos and popular in our culture, but can getting a tattoo cause a flare of psoriasis?
Tattoos and popular in our culture, but can getting a tattoo cause a flare of psoriasis?
Associated Conditions
Many common skin and medical conditions appear to be somewhat associated with psoriasis.
Many common skin and medical conditions appear to be somewhat associated with psoriasis.
Misconceptions
Misconceptions about psoriasis abound: What is it? What is it not?
Misconceptions about psoriasis abound: What is it? What is it not?
ISA247
ISA247 is a drug like cyclosporine but which appears to be safer, making it a possible better choice for psoriasis when it is released.
ISA247 is a drug like cyclosporine but which appears to be safer, making it a possible better choice for psoriasis when it is released.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is one of the first systemic psoriasis medications and is still widely used.
Methotrexate is one of the first systemic psoriasis medications and is still widely used.
ABT-874
ABT-874 is a biologic drug for psoriasis which blocks the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23
ABT-874 is a biologic drug for psoriasis which blocks the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23
Monitoring for Other Problems
Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk for many other diseases including heart disease and cancer. How should you screen for these conditions if you have psoriasis?
Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk for many other diseases including heart disease and cancer. How should you screen for these conditions if you have psoriasis?
Childhood Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect people at any age including children. Features of childhood psoriasis and the various treatment options available may differ somewhat from those for adult psoriasis.
Psoriasis can affect people at any age including children. Features of childhood psoriasis and the various treatment options available may differ somewhat from those for adult psoriasis.
Psorizide Forte
Psorizide Forte is a homeopathic medication for psoriasis available by prescription. Homeopathy differs from allopathic medicine in the understanding of disease processes. Psorizide Forte is useful in some patients with psoriasis who have contra-indications to stronger treatments.
Psorizide Forte is a homeopathic medication for psoriasis available by prescription. Homeopathy differs from allopathic medicine in the understanding of disease processes. Psorizide Forte is useful in some patients with psoriasis who have contra-indications to stronger treatments.
Amevive (Alafacept)
Amevive (Alafacept) is a biologic drug for psoriasis that works by altering the function of white blood cells in the skin.
Amevive (Alafacept) is a biologic drug for psoriasis that works by altering the function of white blood cells in the skin.
Meditation
Psoriasis can sometimes be triggered by stress in susceptible individuals. Meditation can help reduce stress and help psoriasis patients recover faster.
Psoriasis can sometimes be triggered by stress in susceptible individuals. Meditation can help reduce stress and help psoriasis patients recover faster.
Psoriasisi Doctors
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin diseases, including psoriasis.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin diseases, including psoriasis.
Psoriasis & Obesity
Which comes first: Psoriasis or Obesity? Or is it a vicious cycle of one promoting the other with the end result being increased risk of heart attack?
Which comes first: Psoriasis or Obesity? Or is it a vicious cycle of one promoting the other with the end result being increased risk of heart attack?
UV is not for Everybody
Some people should avoid light therapy (phototherapy and heliotherapy) for the treatment of psoriasis. Learn who should consider a psoriasis treatment that does not involve the use of light.
Some people should avoid light therapy (phototherapy and heliotherapy) for the treatment of psoriasis. Learn who should consider a psoriasis treatment that does not involve the use of light.
Older Psoriasis Drugs
Older drugs for psoriasis are used less often now due to the great results seen with newer biologic drugs, however they still have applications for specific patients who are unable or unwilling to take biologics.
Older drugs for psoriasis are used less often now due to the great results seen with newer biologic drugs, however they still have applications for specific patients who are unable or unwilling to take biologics.
Childhood Psoriasis Risk
Many parents with psoriasis wonder if their children will also get the disease. Since psoriasis has a genetic basis, the question is legitimate, but the answers are often estimates at best.
Many parents with psoriasis wonder if their children will also get the disease. Since psoriasis has a genetic basis, the question is legitimate, but the answers are often estimates at best.
Side Effects of Biologics
Biologic drugs for psoriasis are highly effective, however like all medicines they have their own set of side effects to be monitored for and considered when deciding to use these drugs.
Biologic drugs for psoriasis are highly effective, however like all medicines they have their own set of side effects to be monitored for and considered when deciding to use these drugs.
Clinical Trials
How does one interpret clinical trials?
How does one interpret clinical trials?
Psoriasis - Articles
An index of Articles for the Psoriasis guide site.
An index of Articles for the Psoriasis guide site.
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.
Is a Doctor needed
If your psoriasis is severe, extensive, or getting worse, you need to see your doctor.
If your psoriasis is severe, extensive, or getting worse, you need to see your doctor.
HLA
HLA (human leukocyte antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis.
HLA (human leukocyte antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis.
Fast Treatments
While there are many psoriasis treatments, some appear to work much faster than others. For patients for whom time is of the essence, faster treatment may be just the ticket.
While there are many psoriasis treatments, some appear to work much faster than others. For patients for whom time is of the essence, faster treatment may be just the ticket.
NPF Monitoring Recommendations
The TNF alpha blocking type of biologic drugs may cause a blood test called the ANA to become positive. Because some of these patients may also develop lupus-like symptoms, a baseline ANA test before starting these drugs is recommended
The TNF alpha blocking type of biologic drugs may cause a blood test called the ANA to become positive. Because some of these patients may also develop lupus-like symptoms, a baseline ANA test before starting these drugs is recommended
Drugs in Development
There are always several drugs "in the pipeline" of development for psoriasis at any given time. Usually these are in some stage of FDA clinical trial testing. Many newer drugs are of the biologic class but "upgrades" of older drugs and brand new classes of drugs are also under development.
There are always several drugs "in the pipeline" of development for psoriasis at any given time. Usually these are in some stage of FDA clinical trial testing. Many newer drugs are of the biologic class but "upgrades" of older drugs and brand new classes of drugs are also under development.