Psoriasis Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suffer from Psoriasis, you are not alone. Approximately
2-3% of the United States population suffers from this common
skin ailment. That is almost 8 million people! Whether you are
newly diagnosed with the condition, or have been suffering for a
few years, there is relief out there. The key is to research all
of your options and find a knowledgeable doctor that can help
you explore your options.
Psoriasis has been known to afflict individuals of all races,
sex, and age groups, though the majority of sufferers are
adults. The condition begins when skin cells quickly rise from
below the surface and begin to pile up on the surface before
they have a chance to fully mature. While in a normal adult, the
process takes about a month, a person suffering from Psoriasis
can have this occur within a week. This excess growth of cells
can lead to patches of thick inflamed skin, covered with silvery
scales. They often itch and are very sore to the touch. Most
sufferers have these patches on their elbows, knees, legs, lower
back, etc.
Psoriasis can also affect fingernails, toenails, and the
genitals. It is said that approximately 1 million people suffer
from a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which is an
inflammation of the joints.
The first step to getting treatment is to get diagnosed. Many
physicians overlook Psoriasis because it appears similar to
other skin diseases. There are many different forms of
Psoriasis, which can range from smooth red patches to oozing
lesions. The most reliable method of diagnosis involves a small
skin sample. The doctor will look at it under a microscope to
confirm.
Once you are diagnosed with Psoriasis, you can begin treatment.
There are several different options, and depending on the
severity of the condition, you may need several different
mediations or treatments at a time. There are basically three
different kinds of treatments available. These include topical
creams, light therapy, and oral medications:
* Corticosteroids * Calcipotriene * Retinoid * Coal tar *
Anthralin * Salicylic acid * Clobetasol propionate * Bath
solutions * Moisturizers * Light therapy- natural and artificial
* Immune suppressing treatments taken orally
While there is no known cure, there have been some major
breakthroughs in the field of study. New medications and
treatment options are popping up every day, and a cure is just
right around the corner. Laser therapy has become extremely
popular, and you can expect to see them integrated into your
treatment plan in the near future.
The key is to find out what works for you. Many Psoriasis
sufferers can benefit from group therapy. They can discuss their
thoughts and feelings about having the condition, and form a
support group of others going through the same problems. Online
research and support groups are also very popular. The more you
know about your condition, the better prepared you are for what
lies ahead. So do a search on your favorite search engine and
discuss your options with your doctor.