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Psoriasis: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Top OTC Products for Psoriasis
When you have psoriasis, you'll try almost anything to soothe your symptoms and manage your condition. Of the over-the-counter psoriasis treatment options that are out there, what's worth a shot? What's worth your money? Here, an overview of over-the-counter psoriasis creams, ointments, and other psoriasis treatments.
scalp psoriasis
The scalp is commonly affected by psoriasis. Because of the location, special consideration must be given to the types of medications used. For this reason, less messy liquids and foams are often employed for the scalp vs. thick ointments used on non-hairy areas.
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.
is it rosacea, psoriasis or eczema
Rosacea, Psoriasis and Eczema are each capable of causing a red rash on the face. Which features distinguish one of these rashes from another?
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.
psoriasis and itching
For those with psoriasis, itchiness is taken to a new level.
Psoriasis vs. Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema share the common traits of being chronic, red scaly skin conditions. How are they different?
inverse psoriasis
Psoriasis in areas where skin meets skin such as the underarms, groin and under the breasts is called inverse psoriasis. It can be confused with candidiasis and other conditions affecting these areas.
guttate psoriasis
Often following a strep infection, guttate psoriasis causes a tear-drop shaped rash to develop.
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.
psoriasis and your eyes
Eye problems may be directly related to flare-ups around the eyes. But psoriasis can also lead to problems within the eye itself -- problems that when left untreated can cause permanent vision loss.
coal tar psoriasis treatment
Coal tar, one of the few remaining old-fashioned therapies for psoriasis treatment, still does the job. Within a few weeks of applying ointments, creams or shampoos containing coal tar, psoriasis patients can usually expect their lesions to clear significantly.
psoriasis on your hands and feet
Your hands and feet may be the hardest-working parts of your body. They are almost in constant motion and continuously interact with the world. So if they are affected by psoriasis, your quality of life may be more severely impaired than if psoriasis struck elsewhere on your body. Learn how to manage lesions, scaling and blisters in the delicate folds of fingers or on the soles of the feet.
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.
pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is one of several types of psoriasis. It causes parts of the skin to redden, swell and become covered by tender, pus-filled blisters. There are several types of pustular psoriasis -- some that affect just the hands or fingers, others that affect the whole body. Learn more about pustular psoriasis and the treatment options available.
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?
over the counter psoriasis treatments
For some patients, psoriasis can be controlled using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These OTC medications are often used in combination with prescription meds, but they can also have side effects when used together.
Diet and Psoriasis
Does diet affect Psoriasis? If so what dietary changes may be beneficial to persons suffering from this 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.
all about facial psoriasis
Facial psoriasis, which affects up to 46% of individuals with psoriasis, produces silvery scales, itchy rashes and, in rare cases, open lesions in an area of the body that is difficult to conceal. As a result, those with facial psoriasis confront a distinct set of challenges, involving both treatment and coping methods.
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.
Five Main Types of Psoriasis - Types of Psoriasis
Identifying and describing the five forms of psoriasis.
medications that can trigger or worsen psoriasis
Some people with psoriasis face problem when a medication they're taking for another condition causes their red, scaly rashes to get worse -- or brings on a case of psoriasis for the first time.
psoriasis as an autoimmune
What an autoimmune disease is, who gets psoriasis and theories why people get them.
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.
psoriasis and your sexual health
It can be hard to feel desirable when your body is covered with the results of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to mature too rapidly, resulting in thickened areas with silvery scales.
pregnancy and psoriasis
Women with psoriasis generally progress through conception, pregnancy and birth just like anyone else; the disease does not affect the reproductive system. Expectant mothers with psoriasis, though, should be aware of the hereditary nature of this condition, the effect of hormonal changes and tips for ease in breastfeeding.
Psoriasis of the Leg with Associated Swelling
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids come in many strengths and varieties. Learn more about these creams and how they treat psoriasis.
using moisturizers properly for psoriasis
(LifeWire) - Amid the dizzying array of treatments available for psoriasis, moisturizing is the only
childhood psoriasis
Help your child understand and successfully cope with his 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
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 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.
General Health and Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients and their doctors need to be aware of the other health risks associated with having psoriasis.
Psoriasis Flare
Sometimes psoriasis suddenly and dramatically worsen. Such episodes are known as flares.
Drugs to Avoid
Which drugs can worsen psoriasis and should be avoided in persons with this diagnosis?
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.
Excimer Laser
A new laser called the 308nm excimer laser offers effective treatment for smaller but stubborn areas of psoriasis
psoriasis beauty tips
(LifeWire) - I've had the same hair stylist for 10 years, but not just because she gives great haircuts.
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pityriasis rubra pilaris, or PRP as it is commonly called, is a relatively rare chronic skin disease sometimes confused with psoriasis.
Caclipotriene
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative for treating psoriasis
and oldie but goodie
Psoriatec is the brand of anthralin, an old fashioned but still useful topical treatment for psoriasis
psoriasis and stress
Psoriasis and stress are closely linked. In fact, psoriasis and stress are part of what seems to be an everlasting cycle. Stress can trigger psoriasis, but the skin condition itself can also bring embarassment, hassle and other forms of stress to the sufferer. Learn more about the connection between psoriasis and stress and what can be done to break the cycle.
lymphoma and psoriasis
One study suggests that the risk for lymphoma cancer for the psoriasis patient is three times greater than people without psoriasis. Although these results are preliminary and different studies have found conflicting results in terms of the risks of lymphoma among people with psoriasis, many questions are raised for patients and physicians: Is there a link between lymphoma cancer and psoriasis? If there is an increased risk of cancer? Is it  due directly to the effects of psoriasis? Is it a complication of psoriasis treatments? Is it the patient's own immune system?
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?
Psoriasis of the Feet
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
sleep and psoriasis
When talking about psoriasis, so much attention is put on getting through the day with itchy, inflamed skin. But sleeping can be a problematic time, too. You may scratch your psoriasis patches, causing psoriasis flares. Or, your sleep may be so disturbed by your discomfort that the resulting stress causes a psoriasis flare. There are strategies, however, for resting easy when you have psoriasis.
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis is believed to be tied to genetics. What triggers psoriasis, however, may be known or unknown, depending on the individual.
soaps shampoos and perfumes for psoriasis
Ingredients in some soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes and colognes can bother sensitive skin. In other cases, these products may serve as therapies for psoriasis.
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.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
stepbystep selfinjection
Moderate to severe cases of psoriasis may require the injection of biologic psoriasis medications. Frequent injections call for a do-it-yourself at home approach, which may seem daunting at first. But once you have learned the procedure, the process will quickly become second nature. Learn how to give yourself an injection of a psoriasis medication, step by step.
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.
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.
psoriasis in summer and winter
Psoriasis behaves differently depending upon the season so it makes sense that treatments may vary from season to season as well. What works best during certain times of the year is a question we hope to answer here.
Treating it Yourself
There are several things you can do to improve your skin if you suffer from psoriasis.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Onycholysis - Lifitng off of the nail
onycholysis, or lifting of the nails as seen in 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
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?
Guttate Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
What is it?
What is psoriasis? Who gets psoriasis and why? What makes psoriasis better? Is psoriasis contagious? Get the basics on 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.
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.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is one of the first systemic psoriasis medications and is still widely used.
Psoriasis of the Scalp
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
Fungal Infection of the Hand
Photos of Various forms and stages of 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.
Palmar Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
Psoriasisi Doctors
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin diseases, including psoriasis.
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris - a Psoriasis Mimic
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
patients with psoriasis sometimes also suffer from a form of psoriasis called psoriatic arthritis
The Umbilicus - a Favorite Spot for Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
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.
Plaque-Type Psoriasis
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
psoriasis and heart attack
Psoriasis has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Both conditions are the result of excess inflammation in the body. Treatments which reduce inflammation may benefit both.
psoriasis and relationships
No doubt the scaly red rash of psoriasis can have a negative impact on your personal relationships with others. Knowledge is the key to increased understanding of your condition for those around you.
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?
Nail pits as seen in psoriasis
Nail pitting is one sign of psoriasis
obesity and psoriasis
Obesity is linked to psoriasis. Scientists have established that individuals who are overweight are at greater risk of developing psoriasis.
Psoriasis Vulgaris on the Elbows
Typical Plaques of Psoriasis on the Elbows
Depression in Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients are more prone to many different medical conditions including depression.
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.
psoriasis and genetics
Genetics may link psoriasis patients.
Taclonex
Taclonex (Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate) is a combination ointment for psoriasis consisting of both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid drugs.
common_psoriasis_drug
Many of the drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis can cause unexpected side effects including undesirable interactions with other medications as well as sun-sensitivity.
questions to ask the
When a doctor hands over a psoriasis diagnosis, many questions may run through your head. Is psoriasis contagious? How did I get psoriasis? How can I treat my psoriasis? Learn the answer to questions you may have, as well as questions you should think about asking in regards to your psoriasis diagnosis.
Tatoos and Psoriasis
Tattoos and popular in our culture, but can getting a tattoo cause a flare of psoriasis?
HLA
HLA (human leukocyte antigens) are cell-surface markers, some of which are associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis.
Coping with Comments about Psoriasis
People may express curiosity about your psoriasis, and some (unfortunately) may just be downright harsh. Individuals may be fearful of psoriasis, a condition that they know nothing about, or they may make comments that make you feel bad about how your psoriasis has made your skin look. Learn how to best deal with people who make comments about your psoriasis.
Psoriasis Images
Photos of Various forms and stages of Psoriasis
psoriasis flare prevention
Knowing the triggers is at least part of the solution to preventing psoriasis flare-ups, which can happen at any time and even after years of remission.
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.
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.
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.
coping when psoriasis wont go
Those with psoriasis, which causes skin cells to turn over too rapidly and swathes the body with itchy, painful lesions, are never finished with this disease, even if they are in remission, because it is a chronic, lifelong condition with no known cure. Psoriasis promises only one thing: unpredictability. Learn to cope and live with psoriasis.
psoriasis and the sun
Light therapy, also called heliotherapy, has been used through the ages to help treat psoriasis. Short, regular exposure to the sunlight slows the rapid turnover of skin cells that defines psoriasis. Light therapy is a convenient and affordable psoriasis treatment, but it caution must be used when using light therapy. Learn more about properly using light therapy to treat psoriasis.
excimer laser treatment of
An excimer laser is a treatment option for patients with psoriasis. To treat psoriasis plaques, the excimer laser targets the topmost layer of abnormal skin and leaving the lower layers of tissue unharmed. Like other UVB treatments, the excimer laser carries some risk. However, it can be an excellent treatment choice for patients with psoriasis, particularly those who have not responded well to other psoriasis treatments.
Psoriasis Vulgaris of the Knees
Thickened, red, slightly scaly skin plaques over knees
Coping with teen and young adult psoriasis
Teens and young adults face many emotional issues in dealing with their psoriasis especially in regards to personal relationships
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.
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.
Interleukins
Interleukins are chemicals produced by while blood cells to modulate inflammation and the immune response.
Cutting-Edge Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments
For those with psoriatic arthritis, an advanced stage psoriasis, finding the right treatment is a balancing act -- benefits, but at what risk? Several new drugs promise relief from psoriatic arthritis, a potentially crippling condition, but not without risks that include infection and cancer. What's on the cutting edge when it comes to treating psoriatic arthritis? Learn more about the options.
dealing with self image
Psoriasis affects the psyche as well as the skin. Dealing with the emotional impact of psoriasis is as difficult and important as dealing with the skin effects of this disease.
Humira (Adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) is approved for treating psoriatic arthritis and will likely soon be approved for psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis which may require hospitalization or the use of strong systemic medications
Associated Conditions
Many common skin and medical conditions appear to be somewhat associated with psoriasis.
biologics in children
Biologic drugs, such as Enbrel and Remicade, have worked wonders for adults who suffer from severe psoriasis. However, these and other biologic drugs have yet to be approved for use as psoriasis treatments for children. Are biologic drugs ever prescribed for children with psoriasis? Is this safe?
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.
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?
Ingram Method
The Ingram method for treating psoriasis utilizes anthralin, coal tar, and ultraviolet light in concert for clearing of psoriasis.
experimental psoriasis
New therapies to treat the itching, scales and tenderness of psoriasis are continually emerging. Learn more about new experimental psoriasis treatments.
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
Enbrel (Etanercept)
Enbrel (Etanercept) is the number one systemic psoriasis drug prescribed by dermatologist. It is also quite effective for psoriatic arthritis.
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A-derived drugs for use in treating skin diseases.
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?
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.
Impetigo Herpetiformis
Impetigo Herpetiformis is the name given to pustular psoriasis occuring in pregnancy
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.
coping with medication
Although effective, biologic medications for psoriasis often require patients to self-inject at home. For people afraid of needles this can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, the manufacturers of the drugs have come up with self-injection devices that look and function like ordinary pens -- you don't ever have to see an actual needle again!
Meditation
Psoriasis can sometimes be triggered by stress in susceptible individuals. Meditation can help reduce stress and help psoriasis patients recover faster.
Systemics
: Systemic psoriasis treatments or "systemics" for short are treatments taken internally to treat the
helping your child cope with
Psoriasis in children is fairly common. For about a third of all people with psoriasis, symptoms begin before age 20. Psoriasis can have a notable impact on a child's life, affecting activity, appearance, self-esteem and even interaction with others. Learn more about psoriasis in children and how you can help your child cope.
Misconceptions
Misconceptions about psoriasis abound: What is it? What is it not?
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.
Images
Photographs of various types of psoriasis
treating stubborn psoriasis
Topical creams and ointments -- either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription-strength -- tend to be first-line remedies for psoriasis. But, patients often turn to other treatments as well. These treatments may include phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light, or prescription medications such as pills or injectable compounds known as biologics
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.
Is a Doctor needed
If your psoriasis is severe, extensive, or getting worse, you need to see your doctor.
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.
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.
A Historical Look
Psoriasis has been around probably as long as we have. What did doctors think of psoriasis decades or centuries ago?
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.
psoriasis diary
Keeping a diary can not only help with coping, but may also help identify triggers that seem to worsen your psoriasis.
ABT-874
ABT-874 is a biologic drug for psoriasis which blocks the cytokines IL-12 and IL-23
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?
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.
Clinical Trials
How does one interpret clinical trials?

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