Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes plaques with silvery, thick scales on extensor surfaces such as elbows and knees, but can affects other parts of the skin such as scalp, torso, buttocks, groin area and genitals, and also the palms, soles and nails. It effects between 2-5% of the population and can start at any age, but mainly in young and middle-aged adults. Some of the patients will suffer from arthritis as well, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis.
We now know that psoriasis is part of a group of immune mediated inflammatory diseases, where the immune system is overactive, causes an inflammatory process in the skin, which in turn causes the skin cells to over replicate, producing a “young” non-mature skin that appears as a typical red scaly skin. There are other factors involved in psoriasis such as genetic factors, (about 30% of patients will have a positive family member with psoriasis) infections (Strep pharyngitis) and environmental factors.
The main purpose of treating psoriasis is to decrease the skin inflammation, which will decrease the over-replication of skin cells. Dr. Sagi will tailor the treatment to the severity of the psoriasis.
For mild diseases, topical treatments will be used. Light therapy, used in a special cabinet that produces ultraviolet B radiation, will decrease the inflammation and improve the rash. For moderate disease, tablets such as Acitretin and immunosuppressive medications such as tablets and injections (Biologics) will be used.