Common Diagnosis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition of the skin in which red, thickened scaly patches and plaques develop on the body. While it usually runs in families, it also often appears in people with no family history as well. Unfortunately, psoriasis is not curable, but we can in many cases control it very effectively. Lately, there have been new medications approved for the treatment and control of psoriasis.
Despite all the advances made in the treatment of psoriasis, the mainstay of therapy is still topical therapy in many cases. Topical steroids and other topical medications are used directly on the lesions to make them thinner and make the redness go away. Once clear, the medication does not have to be applied as frequently. When there are too many lesions to cover easily with topical medication, then other options are considered.
Ultraviolet light (light box) can be used to treat psoriasis. It works by slightly inhibiting the skins immune system which makes the lesions go away. To be effective, the light is administered in known quantities or doses and has to be done on a daily basis at first to clear the psoriasis. Once clear, then regular maintenance needs to be performed. The risks of this therapy is an increased risk for skin cancer later on.
Pills such as methotrexate, Soriatane, and Neoral have been available for quite some time for patients with psoriasis. Each are selected and used based upon the patients individual needs. Each has its own unique panel of side effects that limits their use in some patients. Your physician with go over these with you if you are a candidate for them.
Very recently a new class of medications has emerged to treat psoriasis. These medications include Embrel, Raptiva, and Remicade. These medications are injected very much like a diabetic would inject insulin. Many patients get the impression that these medications cure psoriasis with one injection, but in reality, they need to be regularly administered to keep psoriasis under control, and currently are very expensive. However, they appear to have less overall side effects than many other medications.
If you have psoriasis or feel that you do, make an appointment for an evaluation at Greenville Dermatology to develop a treatment plan for you. You do not have to live with the embarrassment of having red scaly patches on your body.