Psoriasis
hidePsoriasis (pronounced /səˈraɪəsɪs/) is a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extensor aspect of the joint.
The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated finding. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.
The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Factors that may aggravate psoriasis include stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. There are many treatments available, but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.
For more information about Psoriasis, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
News tagged with psoriasis
Researchers Study Whether Psychosocial Interventions Ease Psoriasis
Nov 11, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has awarded University of Rochester Medical Center researchers $2.5 million to investigate the impact of psychological interventions on attacks ...
JAX publishes online tool for exploring autoimmune disease gene networks
Oct 29, 2009 |
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Currently, 5-8% of the U.S. population is afflicted with an autoimmune disease. Many of these are chronic and require life-long care. Moreover, different autoimmune diseases aggregate within a single family, ...
Gene variation is 'major genetic determinant of psoriasis'
Aug 27, 2009 |
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A specific genetic region that has been increasingly identified as the strongest genetic link to psoriasis has an even more significant role in the chronic skin disease than has been suspected, University of Utah medical ...
Skin-disease patients show brain immunity to faces of disgust
Aug 27, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- People with psoriasis - an often distressing dermatological condition that causes lesions and red scaly patches on the skin - are less likely to react to looks of disgust by others than people without the ...
Psoriasis associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality
Jun 15, 2009 |
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The skin disease psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and ...
New clinical study probes how light fights psoriasis
Apr 29, 2009 |
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Ultraviolet light is a proven treatment for psoriasis, one of humanity’s oldest known diseases. Sunshine can also beat back the chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin. But explaining light’s therapeutic effects ...
Psoriasis associated with diabetes and high blood pressure in women
Apr 20, 2009 |
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Women with psoriasis appear to have an increased risk for developing diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Dermatology.
New drug shows promising results for psoriatic arthritis
Apr 07, 2009 |
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Psoriatic arthritis affects about 11 percent of patients with psoriasis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) agents, which block signaling molecules that induce inflammation, improve the symptoms of psoriatic ...
Experts turn to web to combat distressing skin disease
Mar 23, 2009 |
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People experiencing the skin disease psoriasis may get relief from their symptoms and the psychological distress they can cause through a new web-based therapy programme.
Acitretin therapy may help reduce nail psoriasis
Mar 16, 2009 |
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Low-dose acitretin (a drug used to treat skin psoriasis) therapy appears to reduce nail psoriasis symptoms, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Scientists unmask genetic markers associated with psoriasis
Jan 25, 2009 |
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Scientists at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, the U-M School of Public Health and their collaborators have found DNA "hotspots" that may reveal how genetic differences among individuals result in psoriasis, ...
Virtual communities may provide valuable support for psoriasis patients
Jan 19, 2009 |
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Online support communities appear to offer both a valuable educational resource and a source of psychological and social support for individuals with psoriasis, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of De ...
Patients with severe psoriasis need evaluation of heart disease risk
Dec 18, 2008 |
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According to new recommendations in the December 10 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology (AJC) (www.ajconline.org), published by Elsevier, new research is called for and patients with severe forms of the skin disea ...
Higher levels of obesity-related hormone found in patients with psoriasis
Dec 15, 2008 |
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Patients with the skin disease psoriasis appear more likely to have higher levels of leptin (a hormone produced by fat cells that may contribute to obesity and other metabolic abnormalities) than persons without psoriasis, ...
Indigo ointment may help treat patients with psoriasis
Nov 17, 2008 |
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An ointment made from indigo naturalis, a dark blue plant-based powder used in traditional Chinese medicine, appears effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of ...
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