Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder in which there are red, thickened areas with silvery scales, often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. Some cases are mild, while others are severe and cover large areas of the body. Psoriasis is not contagious, but sometimes it can be inherited, so there may be a family history.
What Causes Psoriasis?
While the cause is not specifically known, recent discoveries show an abnormality in the functioning of special white cells, called T-cells, which trigger inflammation and the immune response in the skin. This causes the skin to grow too rapidly. Dead skin cells subsequently build up too fast and then thick plaques form. In some cases, this process can be activated by infections, such as strep throat, and by certain medications.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis based on a skin exam. If the diagnosis is not clear, a skin biopsy may be helpful.
Treatment
The goal is to reduce the inflammation and to control the scale build-up as well as the shedding of the skin. Fortunately, there are many different forms of treatments available. Prescription medications include topical creams such as steroids, anthralin, vitamin D, retinoids and coal tar.
The goal of these medications is to have an anti-inflammatory effect as well as to help soften and break up the excess scale. If the psoriasis is more severe and widespread, or unresponsive to topical treatments, then your dermatologist can discuss other alternatives such as systemic medications and light therapy.
What Systemic Medications are Available?
- Methotrexate is an oral anti-cancer medication usually taken once a week that can produce dramatic clearing of psoriasis.
- Retinoids related to vitamin A may be taken daily.
- Cyclosporine is an oral immunosuppressant used when other treatments have failed.
- There is a class of medications called biologic agents that are a more recent option for patients suffering with psoriasis. These are administered by injections done at home or in the office ranging in frequency from twice a week to four times a year.
All systemic medications may produce some side effects which would be reviewed with you by your dermatologist when deciding if one of these would be appropriate. The potential side effects are monitored by checking blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure, and/or chest x-rays, depending on the medication and your history. If someone is affected by psoriasis in both their skin and their joints, some of these systemic medications can help both forms of psoriasis.
Types of psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most prevalent form of the disease. About 80 percent of those who have psoriasis have this type. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Guttate
Guttate [GUH-tate] psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that often starts in childhood or young adulthood. The word guttate is from the Latin word meaning “drop.” This form of psoriasis appears as small, red, individual spots on the skin. Guttate lesions usually appear on the trunk and limbs. These spots are not usually as thick as plaque lesions.
Guttate psoriasis often comes on quite suddenly. A variety of conditions can bring on an attack of guttate psoriasis, including upper respiratory infections, streptococcal throat infections (strep throat), tonsillitis, stress, injury to the skin and the administration of certain drugs including antimalarials and beta-blockers.
Inverse
Inverse psoriasis is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds around the genitals and the buttocks. This type of psoriasis appears as bright-red lesions that are smooth and shiny. Inverse psoriasis is subject to irritation from rubbing and sweating because of its location in skin folds and tender areas. It can be more troublesome in overweight people and those with deep skin folds.
Pustular
Primarily seen in adults, pustular psoriasis is characterized by white blisters of noninfectious pus (consisting of white blood cells) surrounded by red skin. There are three types of pustular psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis may be localized to certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet, or may cover most of the body. It begins with the reddening of the skin followed by formation of pustules and scaling.
Pustular psoriasis may be triggered by internal medications, irritating topical agents, overexposure to UV light, pregnancy, systemic steroids, infections, stress and sudden withdrawal of systemic medications or potent topical steroids.
Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic [eh-REETH-ro-der-mik] psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body surface. It may occur in association with von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. It is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin and the shedding of scales in sheets, rather than smaller flakes. The reddening and shedding of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain, heart rate increase, and fluctuating body temperature.
People experiencing the symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis flare should go see a doctor immediately. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes protein and fluid loss that can lead to severe illness. The condition may also bring on infection, pneumonia and congestive heart failure. People with severe cases of this condition often require hospitalization.
Known triggers of erythrodermic psoriasis include the abrupt withdrawal of a systemic psoriasis treatment including cortisone; allergic reaction to a drug resulting in the Koebner response; severe sunburns; infection; and medications such as lithium, anti-malarial drugs; and strong coal tar products.
What are Light Treatments and How Do They Work?
Sunlight and ultraviolet light slow the rapid growth of the skin cells which has been shown helpful to those with psoriasis. Exposure to sunlight may be helpful to those with psoriasis, but can cause side effects such as skin cancer, skin wrinkling and eye damage.
Researchers have studied the entire spectrum of ultraviolet light to determine which wavelengths are most helpful to patients with psoriasis. These specific wavelengths can be delivered to the skin with special light treatments given in the dermatology office which offers better results with fewer side effects than sunbathing outside. For patients with widespread psoriasis, a stand-up tanning booth in the office can deliver specific UVA or UVB rays.
If a patient has a few localized areas of psoriasis, a new laser called the Xtrac laser can deliver the wavelengths of light to only those areas. This treatment greatly reduces potential side effects because the skin that is not affected by psoriasis can be left alone and not exposed to the ultraviolet light.
For best results, patients are advised to come in to the office two to three times per week for treatments. All these light treatments are available at Brinton Lake Dermatology and are usually covered by health insurance plans.
The above treatment options can be used alone or in combination. They can clear or greatly improve psoriasis in most cases, but no treatment permanently cures the disease. Researchers are continually testing new drugs and treatments. If you have psoriasis or suspect you do, call for an appointment at Brinton Lake Dermatology and we will perform a skin evaluation and design a treatment plan for you.