Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic and non-contagious disorder that affects any area of the body in various forms. The most commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. A common type of psoriasis is Plaque psoriasis that is marked by thick, scaly patches of red skin.
Although a cause has not directly been linked to psoriasis, research indicates that some disease triggers can include emotional stress, skin injury, infections, and certain medications. Some people are born with a genetic tendency and are predisposed to the condition, although not everyone with psoriasis has a family history of the condition. Further research attributes the condition to the abnormality of white blood cells in the blood stream that triggers inflammation.
The best way to prevent the onset of psoriasis is to moisturize regularly, avoid excessive sunlight, take care of your body to avoid infections, reduce emotional and physical stress and monitor any prescription drugs for possible side effects.
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Psoriasis can be treated with the use of laser phototherapy or topical agents. The Excimer
laser safely and effectively treats Psoriasis
Excimer delivers a precisely targeted, high
dose of ultraviolet light to psoriatic lesions
through a handpiece that rests directly on
the skin. It is ideal for reaching hard-to-treat
areas such as knees, elbows and scalp and successfully treats patients with mild to
moderate conditions.
Most treatments take about five to seven
minutes, twice a week for a few weeks. After
six to ten treatments, most patients enjoy
clearing and find results typically last four
to six months. Excimer is FDA approved and treatments are covered by most insurance companies.
Although psoriasis is rarely cured, effective treatment can provide successful partial or
full remissions for long periods of time.
Follow-ups and reassessments are a big
part of effective psoriasis treatment.
Topical agents such as anthralin, coal tar,
vitamin A and vitamin D derivatives and
steroids may be used alone to treat
moderate forms of psoriasis but are often combined with light therapy and agents
such as antimetabolite drugs and retinoids
to treat advanced psoriasis.
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