What are these red, scaly plaques?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which tends to run in families. Psoriasis affects 5% of the population. It varies in severity from mild to severe. Psoriasis can affect the nails, scalp, skin, and joints. Psoriasis can start at any age.

What causes it?
The cause of psoriasis is unknown. Current genetic studies are giving us a greater understanding of this chronic skin condition, however. In psoriasis, areas of the skin grow much faster than normal and form red, scaling patches. The scalp, elbows, and knees are the most common sites for psoriasis, however any part of the skin may become involved. Psoriasis is a problem only because it itches and is unsightly. It is not contagious. If the skin is traumatized, psoriasis can form in the affected area.

Can it be cured?

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Someday, we do hope to cure this condition with genetic engineering, but currently, the treatment is only temporarily effective, and may need to be continued for quite a while. There is no magic cure for psoriasis today. If you have psoriasis of the scalp, it helps to wash your hair often. Luxiq is a prescription medication that is sometimes helpful. Moderate sunlight exposure of the scalp is often helpful. Do not get sunburned, since psoriasis may settle in areas of injured skin. Sunlight is an effective treatment for psoriasis, but sunlight causes aging of the skin and skin cancer, so don't overdo it. Ultraviolet light (phototherapy) helps and is even more effective when used with tar or anthralin. We have this treatment available in the office (707) 725-8770). Psoriasis causes the skin to lose water to the environment. So you must lubricate the areas of psoriasis with liberal amounts of Vaseline or Aquaphor. Salicylic acid is used to dissolve the scales in psoriasis so that other medicines can penetrate the skin. How do you treat severe psoriasis.

How do you treat severe psoriasis?
Severe psoriasis can be treated with methotrexate. Use of the drug can cause liver damage, so patients on methotrexate must receive a liver biopsy every year. Cyclosporin and Soriatane are also good medications to treat more difficult cases. Mild psoriasis can be treated effectively with cortisone ointments. Anthralin is an effective treatment for many cases of psoriasis. Dovonex (Vitamin D) ointment is a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis. It is very expensive but is covered by most prescription plans. Dovonex is usually used in combination with other treatments. People with psoriasis should not take Prednisone or other steroids by mouth. Nor should patients with psoriasis have shots of cortisone. These medicines temporarily improve psoriasis but when stopped can lead to severe flares of this condition.