PSORIASIS

This is inflammatory disease that is genetically programmed. The primarily affected organ is the skin. This disease begins as small scaling papule. Then this papule multiplies and form scaling plaques. These plaques tend to occur in the scalp, elbows and knees.

This plaques can be itchy, and when the scale is peeled away small bleeding points appears. Often psoriasis occurs in areas of trauma. This condition often waxes and wanes spontaneously.

Many patients with psoriasis have abnormal nails, which are yellow and crumbly.

Destructive arthritis is often associated with psoriasis.

There is genetic basis for psoriasis. This hereditary predisposition is necessary before the disease can be triggered by environmental factors. T-cells (white blood cells) mediate the development of the psoriatic plaques.

The environmental factors that are risk factors (can lead to psoriasis) are:

-        -  Alcohol in excess

-         - Streptococcal sore throat

-          -Certain drugs

-          -Trauma to the skin

Because this is mainly skin disease the treatment is topical. Foams,  gels,  creams, shampoos and ointments that are applied directly to the skin. Also the treatment includes topical steroids, tar preparations and calcium modulating drugs.