Psoriasis

Psoriasis

About psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory

skin

condition. It is not contagious. Symptoms include red scaly patches on skin, itchiness and flaking of the skin. The areas most commonly affected are the scalp, elbows and knees, but psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body. There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be completely controlled with treatment.

Symptoms of psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. The effects may include:

red scaly patches on scalp, elbows, knees and other parts of the body

itchiness – however, many people do not feel itchy at all

shedding of scales of skin.

Types of psoriasis

plaque psoriasis – the most common form

pustular psoriasis – a more severe form, which can be painful

guttate psoriasis – found mostly in children

napkin psoriasis – characteristically seen in infants between two and eight months of age

flexural psoriasis – affects body folds and genital areas

erythrodermic psoriasis – a severe form requiring hospitalisation.

Psoriasis can cause arthritis

For an unknown reason, psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic

arthritis

. Symptoms include:

discomfort, throbbing or swelling in one or many

joints

tenderness in any joint

pain caused by inflammation in the joints, which stimulates nerve endings.

The joints most likely to be affected are the last joint in the fingers or toes, the sacrum (lower back), wrists, knees or ankles.

Causes of psoriasis

A number of

genes

have been associated with different types of psoriasis. If psoriasis runs in your family, infections and certain

medications

(lithium, beta blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antimalarial medication) can trigger the onset of psoriasis or cause it to flare up. Skin injury and smoking can also make certain types of psoriasis worse.

Treatment of psoriasis

Doctors may prescribe a range of treatments for the relief of psoriasis symptoms including:

coal tar preparations, cortisone and other prescription creams

medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporin and calcipotriol

ultraviolet light therapy.

Biologic therapies for psoriasis

Biologic therapies have revolutionised the treatment of psoriasis and greatly improved our understanding of how psoriasis works. As these treatments are expensive, the government only subsidises the cost for patients with severe cases of the disease and where all other treatment options have been exhausted.

Clinical trials for psoriasis

Before a new treatment can be registered in Australia it must undergo extensive testing.

Clinical trials

are used to determine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for psoriasis. The regulations governing clinical trials in Australia make the process as safe as possible for clinical trial participants.

People with psoriasis may consider volunteering to participate in a clinical trial. Participation provides volunteers with access to cutting edge treatments that are not otherwise available.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your doctor.

Where to get help

Your

GP (doctor)

Dermatologist

Psoriasis

Australia

External Link

.