Are you plagued by patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales on your elbows, knees, legs, lower back or scalp? If so, you may be affected by a non-life-threatening disease which can be painful, affect your ability to function, and cause psychological and emotional distress.

The most common form, plaque psoriasis, causes dry, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. These usually itch or feel sore and may occur anywhere on your body, including your genitals, the soft tissue inside your mouth, even your fingernails and toenails. But plaques are most common on knees, elbows, trunk, palms, soles and scalp.

• About one in three people with psoriasis have a close relative with the condition
  
  
• Taking certain drugs especially beta blockers, anti-malarial medications and lithium makes you more prone to psoriasis
  
  
• High stress levels affect your immune system, increasing the risk
  
  
• People with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis than people with healthy immune systems. Children and young adults with recurring infections, particularly strep throat.
  
  
• Exposure to sun and toxins especially sunburn can be triggers.

Treatments
Doctors choose treatments based on the type and severity of psoriasis as well as the areas affected. Their traditional approach is to start with the mildest treatments: topical creams and light therapy (phototherapy) and then progress to stronger ones if necessary.

Topical treatments include topical corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, Anthralin, Coal tar and topical retinoids. The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy exposes skin to moderate amounts of natural sunlight. Artificial phototherapy includes using broadband UVB light alone or in combination with coal tar.

A more aggressive treatment “Psoralen UVA (PUVA)” therapy involves taking a light-sensitizing medication (psoralen) before exposure to UVA light. Combining ultraviolet light with other treatments such as retinoids improves phototherapy’s effectiveness. If you have severe psoriasis or a disease that’s resistant to other forms of treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected drugs.

Although self-help measures won’t cure psoriasis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. A nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, taking daily baths, using moisturizer and avoiding excessive sun exposure may provide some relief.

H&L

The Psoriasis Society of Canada
www.psoriasissociety.org or call 1800-656-4494.

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