Psoriasis Learning Center

Advertisement
Advertisement

What You Need to Know

Psoriasis

We have all seen psoriasis - a chronic skin disorder with red patches and silvery flaking scales. About 3% of the world's population has some form of psoriasis. The Psoriasis Learning Center's Image Gallery has examples. There are many different types of psoriasis and symptoms vary for each condition. There is no known cause of psoriasis - it appears to be a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors and immune responses that lead to eruptions. Because there is no known cause, there is no known way to prevent psoriasis. There is no known cure for psoriasis, either. It is a condition marked by flare-ups throughout one's life. Fortunately, there are new treatments available for psoriasis.

Consult the Psoriasis Learning Center's Drugs section for comprehensive information about the medications that may be prescribed for you. Drugs and treatments will often be rotated to manage symptoms of psoriasis. What medical specialist is best qualified to treat psoriasis and how do you choose one? See the Psoriasis Learning Center's Doctor Specialties section for more information.

The Psoriasis Learning Center has information about supplements and alternative therapies that may be helpful in treating this complex condition. Know the risk factors for psoriasis. Some of them may surprise you. The Psoriasis Learning Center Complications section provides information about the many serious problems that can develop as a result of this skin disorder.The Psoriasis Learning Center Multimedia Center has several excellent videos to help you with coping strategies for this condition.

Basic Info

Symptoms
Persons with psoriasis have irritated patches of skin. The redness is most often seen on the elbows, knees, and trunk...
Causes
Psoriasis is a very common condition. The disorder may affect people of any age, but it most commonly begins between ...
Tests
Your doctor will look at your skin. Diagnosis is usually based on what the skin looks like. Sometimes, a skin biopsy ...
Treatments
The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Psoriasis that covers all or most...
Alternative Therapies
See: Psoriasis support group
Complications
Pain; Severe itching; Secondary skin infections; Side effects from medicines used to treat psoriasis.
Prevention
There is no known prevention. Keeping skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help red...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of psoriasis or if the skin irritation continues despite treatmen...

Basic Info

Back to Top