What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition of obscure etiology characterized by erythematous silvery plaques commonly occurring over scalp, knees & elbows. Psoriasis affects almost 2% of population and both males & females are equally affected. Onset of this disease is usually between 20 & 40 years of age though individuals of any age can have it. The diagnosis of Psoriasis can be made clinically, however, a skin biopsy may be required in some cases to confirm the condition.

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How is Psoriasis treated?

The goal in treatment of Psoriasis is to relieve discomfort and clear skin lesions. An individualized treatment plan is designed for each patient taking into consideration the age, general medical condition, severity & extent of disease.

What causes Psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes Psoriasis, but most researchers now conclude that it is related to the immune system (Psoriasis is often called an "immune-mediated" disorder). In Psoriasis, the immune system is somehow triggered, which in turn speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin's surface unnoticed. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 4 days to mature and move to the surface, and the cells pile up and form the elevated red lesions.

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Who gets Psoriasis?

Psoriasis appears to be slightly more prevalent in women than men. The average age of diagnosis is 28, and Psoriasis most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it can develop at any time—a first-time diagnosis of psoriasis has been seen in very old people and in new-born babies and small children. Psoriasis in infants is considered rare, although betweeen 10 percent and 15 percent of those with psoriasis get it before age 10. About 150,000 to 260,000 new cases of psoriasis are diagnosed each year.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

No special blood test or other diagnostic tool exists for psoriasis. The diagnosis is usually determined through examination of the skin by a physician or other health care provider. Less commonly, a skin biopsy is examined under the microscope for biological evidence of psoriasis. The presence of small pits in the fingernails is also an indicator of psoriasis.

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What are different types of Psoriasis?

No. There are various forms of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common. Other forms are: guttate, characterized by small dot-like lesions pustular, characterized by weeping lesions and intense scaling inverse, characterized by intense inflammation and little scaling erythrodermic, characterized by intense sloughing and inflammation of the skin Psoriasis can range from mild to moderate to very severe and disabling.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can "catch" or "pass on." Lesions of Psoriasis may be unsightly, but they should not be regarded as an infection or an open wound. An individual with psoriasis poses no threat to the health or safety of others.

Which parts of the body are affected?

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso. But psoriasis can develop anywhere, including the nails, palms, soles, genitals and face (which is rare). Often the lesions appear in a symmetrical fashion, in the same place on the right and left sides of the body.

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What is PUVA therapy?

PUVA also referred to as photochemotherapy or light therapy, is a combination of Ultraviolet light and medication. PUVA therapy is given as a series of treatments for various skin disorders such as leucoderma, psoriasis, chronic dermatitis.

How does PUVA therapy help in Psoriasis?

PUVA helps by restoring the accelerated cell division to normal & reducing the inflammatory cells thereby causing flattening of the lesions.
How is PUVA given ?

Phototherapy sittings are usually given twice or thrice a week on alternate days in leucoderma the response i.e. regimentation of the white patches is seen in the form of color spreading around the hair follicles and margins of the patches; it may take 3 months to one year for significant regimentation If the disease is widespread, the patient is given oral medication, for limited disease a medicine to apply will suffice.

What is Bath Water PUVA?

The latest concept in phototherapy is bath water PUVA, in this the patient lies in a bath tub containing medicated water for 15minutes so that the medicine gets absorbed on the skin and then goes for light therapy. This kind of therapy is especially useful in children suffering from leucoderma and psoriasis in whom oral medicines are not safe.

What precautions are required during PUVA treatment?

From the onset of taking the medicines (Psoralens) the skin's sensitivity to sunlight increases therefore the patient must avoid undue exposure to sunlight on the days of treatment.

Are there any side effects of PUVA treatment?

Side effects of this treatment are rare , some patients can have headache, dizziness and nausea. PUVA helps by restoring the accelerated cell division to normal & reducing the inflammatory cells thereby causing flattening of the lesions.