Psoriasis

It is not contagious

Symptoms include red scaly patches on skin, itchiness and flaking of the skin. The areas most commonly affected are the scalp, elbows and knees, but psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body. There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be completely controlled with treatment.

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person

The effects may include: shedding of scales of skin. erythrodermic psoriasis – a severe form requiring hospitalisation. Symptoms include: pain caused by inflammation in the joints, which stimulates nerve endings.

The joints most likely to be affected are the last joint in the fingers or toes, the sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles. have been associated with different types of psoriasis.

If psoriasis runs in your family, infections and certain (lithium, beta blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antimalarial medication) can trigger the onset of psoriasis or cause it to flare up.

Skin injury and smoking can also make certain types of psoriasis worse. Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments for the relief of psoriasis symptoms including: ultraviolet light therapy. Biologic therapies have revolutionised the treatment of psoriasis and greatly improved our understanding of how psoriasis works.

As these treatments are expensive, the government only subsidises the cost for patients with severe cases of the disease and where all other treatment options have been exhausted.

Before a new treatment can be registered in United States it must undergo extensive testing. are used to determine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for psoriasis.

The regulations governing clinical trials in United States make the process as safe as possible for clinical trial participants. People with psoriasis may consider volunteering to participate in a clinical trial. Participation provides volunteers with access to cutting edge treatments that are not otherwise available.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your doctor. About psoriasis Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin Symptoms of psoriasis red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body itchiness – however, many people do not feel itchy at all Types of psoriasis plaque psoriasis – the most common form pustular psoriasis – a more severe form, which can be painful guttate psoriasis – found mostly in children napkin psoriasis – characteristically seen in infants between two and eight months of age flexural psoriasis – affects body folds and genital areas Psoriasis can cause arthritis For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many joints tenderness in any joint Causes of psoriasis A number of genes medications Treatment of psoriasis coal tar preparations, cortisone and other prescription creams medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporin and calcipotriol Biologic therapies for psoriasis Clinical trials for psoriasis Clinical trials Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Dermatologist Psoriasis United States .

Key Points

• Symptoms include red scaly patches on skin, itchiness and flaking of the skin
• areas most commonly affected are the scalp, elbows and knees, but psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body
• There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be completely controlled with treatment
• Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person
• Symptoms include: pain caused by inflammation in the joints, which stimulates nerve endings