What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious chronic disease in which the immune system causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate.
How many people have psoriasis?
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 7 million people in the United States suffer from psoriasis.
When does psoriasis appear?
Psoriasis is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. Certain people may be genetically predisposed to develop psoriasis. A “trigger” often seems to cause symptoms to appear. These triggers may include emotional stress, injury to the skin, some types of infection, or reaction to certain drugs.
What is plaque psoriasis?
While there are several types of psoriasis, the most common form is plaque psoriasis. Approximately 80 percent of patients suffer from plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by skin lesions that appear as patches of thick, red, or inflamed skin covered with silvery scales. Instead of being shed, skin cells pile up, causing painful and itchy patches, which are also referred to as plaques.
What causes psoriasis?
While the exact cause of plaque psoriasis is unknown, we know that it is a disease involving the immune system. Certain cells in the immune system become overactive and release proteins called cytokines. Tumor Necrosis Factor, or TNF, is one of the cytokines involved in the body's normal immune response. In patients with plaque psoriasis, TNF is over-produced, causing inflammation that drives the formation of often painful and potentially debilitating skin plaques.
How can psoriasis impact an individual’s life?
In addition to the skin symptoms, plaque psoriasis can also negatively impact people’s lives in other ways. It can:
- Interfere with basic functions, such as sleeping, using hands, and walking, as well as sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Impact a person’s job performance, with many patients reporting missed time from work due to their condition.
- Cause people to feel helpless, embarrassed, angry, frustrated, and/or self-conscious. This distress may lead to feelings of social isolation.
How does someone know if they have psoriasis?
It is important for people with psoriasis symptoms to consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. In most cases, the diagnosis can be confirmed by a physical exam. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to examine a small skin sample under a microscope. Occasionally, dermatologists may find it difficult to diagnose psoriasis because it can look like other skin diseases.
What if someone has joint pain and psoriasis?
Up to 42 percent of patients diagnosed with psoriasis actually have psoriatic arthritis, which is an inflammatory joint disease. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint swelling, tenderness, and stiffness, in addition to experiencing skin lesions.
What are types of available treatment options for people living with psoriasis?
Dermatologists generally treat psoriasis based on factors such as the severity of the disease, type of psoriasis, and the patient’s response to initial treatments. You should discuss options that are right for you with your physician. All therapies have risks and benefits which need to be considered. Taking an active role in addressing your psoriasis includes understanding those risks and benefits. Treatments for plaque psoriasis include:- Topical therapies—Medications, some containing coal tar or corticosteroids, slow down or normalize excessive cell production and reduce inflammation. Topical therapies are usually recommended for patients with limited disease.
- Phototherapy—Involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in order to slow down the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells. Phototherapy is typically used to treat moderate to severe forms of psoriasis.
- Systemic therapies—Prescription medications taken by pill or injection, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine, that affect immune system cells. These medications are usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
- Biologic Medications—Biologics are also systemic therapies that act on certain immune system cells and proteins. These medications are usually reserved for patients with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis.
