1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
Diet and Psoriasis
Does diet affect Psoriasis? If so what dietary changes may be beneficial to persons suffering from this disease?
Male Genital Psoriasis
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 vs. Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema share the common traits of being chronic, red scaly skin conditions. How are they different?
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.
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?
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.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Psoriasis of the Feet
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Psoriasis of the Leg with Associated Swelling
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids come in many strengths and varieties. Learn more about these creams and how they treat psoriasis.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Nail pits as seen in psoriasis
Nail pitting is one sign of psoriasis
Onycholysis - Lifitng off of the nail
onycholysis, or lifting of the nails as seen in 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.
Psoriasis - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Psoriasis guide site.
Caclipotriene
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative for treating psoriasis
Excimer Laser
A new laser called the 308nm excimer laser offers effective treatment for smaller but stubborn areas of psoriasis
Drugs to Avoid
Which drugs can worsen psoriasis and should be avoided in persons with this diagnosis?
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.
Plantar Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis can cause pitting, lifting, oil-spotting and thickening of finger and toenails.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
patients with psoriasis sometimes also suffer from a form of psoriasis called psoriatic arthritis
Herbs for Psoriasis
Traditional Chinese medicine, including the use of Chinese herbs for psoriasis, is considered an alternative treatment in the West. But for a billion or more Chinese, it's a mainstream treatment option. What sort of results have been noted with the use of Chinese herbs in psoriasis?
What is it?
What is psoriasis? Who gets psoriasis and why? What makes psoriasis better? Is psoriasis contagious? Get the basics on psoriasis.
The Umbilicus - a Favorite Spot for Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Psoriasis Vulgaris on the Elbows
Typical Plaques of Psoriasis on the Elbows
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.
Psoriasis of the Scalp
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Psoriasis Flare
Sometimes psoriasis suddenly and dramatically worsen. Such episodes are known as flares.
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris - a Psoriasis Mimic
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Fungal Infection of the Hand
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Guttate Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
Treating it Yourself
There are several things you can do to improve your skin if you suffer from 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
Plaque-Type Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of 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?
Palmar Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
General Health and Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients and their doctors need to be aware of the other health risks associated with having psoriasis.
and oldie but goodie
Psoriatec is the brand of anthralin, an old fashioned but still useful topical treatment for psoriasis
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis is believed to be tied to genetics. What triggers psoriasis, however, may be known or unknown, depending on the individual.
Tatoos and Psoriasis
Tattoos and popular in our culture, but can getting a tattoo cause a flare of psoriasis?
Depression in Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients are more prone to many different medical conditions including depression.
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.
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.
a.k.a. Mycosis Fungoides
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL for short) also known as mycosis fungoides is a relatively rare lymphoma or cancer of the blood cells involving the skin. Because early cases of CTCL often have scaly red plaques similar to psoriasis, at times these patients are initially diagnosed with psoriasis only to evolve over time into a more obvious case of CTCL.
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.
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.
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?
Images
Photographs of various types of psoriasis
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is one of the first systemic psoriasis medications and is still widely used.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis which may require hospitalization or the use of strong systemic medications
Quality of Life and PASI Score
The affect of psoriasis on quality of life is well know. How much improvement a given treatment provides directly impacts upon that treatment's ability to improve the quality of life of psoriasis patients.
Associated Conditions
Many common skin and medical conditions appear to be somewhat associated with psoriasis.
Taclonex
Taclonex (Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate) is a combination ointment for psoriasis consisting of both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid drugs.
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.
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
Psoriasisi Doctors
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin diseases, including psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis Subtypes
There are many types of psoriasis, and even subtypes of the types. Pustular psoriasis is an example of a type of psoriasis that can be further categorized into one of several distinct subtypes of this variety.
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?
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.
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.
Humira (Adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) is approved for treating psoriatic arthritis and will likely soon be approved for psoriasis.
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.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is a powerful drug sometimes used in the treatment of psoriasis. Alhough newer biologics have somewhat eclipsed cyclosporine the minds of most dermatologist, there remains patients for whom this drug is useful.
Goeckerman Regimen
The Goeckerman Regimen was a popular inpatient treatment for psoriasis and is still sometimes used as an outpatient treatment in some psoriasis day-treatment centers.
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.
Psoriasis Vulgaris of the Knees
Thickened, red, slightly scaly skin plaques over knees
Impetigo Herpetiformis
Impetigo Herpetiformis is the name given to pustular psoriasis occuring in pregnancy
Misconceptions
Misconceptions about psoriasis abound: What is it? What is it not?
A Historical Look
Psoriasis has been around probably as long as we have. What did doctors think of psoriasis decades or centuries ago?
What's in a Name
Psoriasis seems like such an odd word. Why is psoriasis called psoriasis?
Reiter Syndrome
Retier Syndrome, or Reactive Arthritis with Conjunctivitis/Urethritis/Diarrhea, is an uncommon disease with a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms some of which mimic psoriasis.
ABT-874
ABT-874 is a biologic drug for psoriasis which blocks the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23
Meditation
Psoriasis can sometimes be triggered by stress in susceptible individuals. Meditation can help reduce stress and help psoriasis patients recover faster.
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?
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.
Ustekinumab
Ustekinumab is a biologic drug for psoriasis currently in development with very long lasting results
Curry and Psoriasis
There are some anecdotes of people who saw improvement in their psoriasis by eating a diet that contained a lot of curry. Is there any scientific evidence to support this?
Enbrel (Etanercept)
Enbrel (Etanercept) is the number one systemic psoriasis drug prescribed by dermatologist. It is also quite effective for psoriatic arthritis.
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.
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.
HLA
HLA (human leukocyte antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis.
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
Interleukins
Interleukins are chemicals produced by while blood cells to modulate inflammation and the immune response.
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.
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.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasomsis is a rare fungal infection which is more common in persons with poorly functioning immune systems. Biologic drugs may increase the risk of certain infections including histoplasmosis by reducing the body's ability to respond to these diseases.
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A-derived drugs for use in treating skin diseases.
Systemics
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."
Psoriasis - Articles
An index of articles for the Psoriasis guide site.
Clinical Trials
How does one interpret clinical trials?
Ingram Method
The Ingram method for treating psoriasis utilizes anthralin, coal tar, and ultraviolet light in concert for clearing of psoriasis.
Explore Psoriasis
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Psoriasis

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.