Information from Libby Edwards, MD - Mid-Charlotte Dermatology & Research

PSORIASIS

You have psoriasis, a common skin problem that can occur at any age. The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it sometimes runs in families. Psoriasis is not an infection and no one can catch it from you. Usually, psoriasis only affects the skin, but sometimes people with psoriasis have arthritis as well. Psoriasis usually causes patches of red, scaling skin. Psoriasis is most likely to affect the scalp, elbows, and knees, but it can occur anywhere on the skin surface. Some people only have one or two patches, whereas other people may have many areas of psoriasis. There is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatments can be helpful. The main treatments for psoriasis are as follows:

1. Medications that are applied to the skin: These are the safest and least expensive treatments, but they usually only work for mild cases of psoriasis. These medications include cortisone creams and ointments, coal tar products, a vitamin D medicine (Dovonex), and anthralin, a very strong medicine that helps very thick plaques of psoriasis. Shampoos with tar or salicylic acid (T -Sal, T -Gel, Ionil T Plus) can help psoriasis of the scalp.

2. Ultraviolet light treatments: Sunlight usually helps to clear psoriasis. When the weather permits, you should lie out in the sun – taking care not to burn. Wear a strong sunscreen, with a sun protection factor (SPF) number of at least 15 on areas not affected by psoriasis. Artificial sunlight (similar to but not the same as a tanning booth) is available at many dermatologists' offices. Either ultraviolet light alone or in combination with medication clears most people of their psoriasis. Side effects include the risk of sunburn and, after years; an increased risk of skin cancers and wrinkling. This type of treatment is otherwise very safe and effective, but it is also expensive and time consuming, because treatments must be continued from one to three times every week.

3. Medications taken by mouth: There are several medications that can be taken by mouth for psoriasis, but these are generally used only if creams and ultraviolet light do not work or cause side effects for that patient. The most often used oral medication is methotrexate, a drug generally used for cancer. Methotrexate works very well for psoriasis, but it can cause liver damage and decrease the body's ability to make blood cells. Etretinate (Tegison) is a medication similar to vitamin A that improves psoriasis. It causes bone and muscle aches in some people, and dry skin in everyone. It also causes birth defects if you should get pregnant. These medicines are usually only given to patients by dermatologists because they require frequent blood tests to avoid side effects. Otherwise, using a good moisturizer, such as plain Vaseline or Eucerin cream can make psoriasis look and feel better. If you are very itchy, one to three capsules of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg, available over the counter, can help you sleep at night. Some things can make your psoriasis worse. These include sunburn, infections, stress, and some medications. Because so many people have psoriasis, a national foundation has been formed that publishes a regular newsletter and provides information on local support groups.

To join this foundation or obtain further information, call or write:

National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Ave, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223-7195
(503) 244-7404