Are you a psoriasis sufferer who has given up on expensive medications, time-consuming creams and lotions to treat your condition? Approximately 7 million men and women throughout the United States suffer from this chronic skin disease.
Untreated or under-treated psoriasis can take its toll both physically and mentally.
Many psoriasis sufferers experience significant emotional issues, including depression, feelings of suicide, difficulties finding employment, problems dating and socializing and exclusion from public facilities.
Some people suffer with psoriasis - red thickened skin covered by silvery scales that may itch or feel sore - on their knees and elbows, while others can have it on their scalp, legs and other body parts. Psoriasis is caused by rapid skin cell growth that results in accumulation of immature cells. That is why it is important for sufferers to seek treatment.
People suffering from psoriasis may experience symptoms that require little or no medication, while others might have severe forms of the disease and need to see a physician for an effective treatment. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) measures psoriasis severity based on the amount of body surface area involved: mild is up to 3 percent of the body, moderate is 3-10 percent of the body and severe is more than 10 percent.
Physicians treat psoriasis in steps based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, type of psoriasis and the patient's response to initial treatment. Some physicians refer to this as the "1-2-3" approach.
Step One -; Topical treatments (topical corticosteroids)
Step Two -; Light treatments (phototherapy)
Step Three -; Medications taken by mouth or injection (systemic therapy)
Many doctors consider combination therapy - using a combination of topical corticosteroids, light and systemic treatments. This permits lower doses of each and may result in increased effectiveness.
According to Dr. Steve R. Feldman, a dermatologist at Wake Forest University,"In mild cases of psoriasis, doctors might start a patient on a topical steroid. However, in severe cases of psoriasis in adults, physicians may develop a treatment plan that involves the combination of an oral retinoid and phototherapy. This may allow reduced doses of both retinoid and phototherapy, which can limit the side effects of each therapy.
Dr. Feldman urges psoriasis sufferers to visit a dermatologist. "Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are effective therapies to help alleviate and treat the symptoms. You may need to find the right combination that works for you."
For more information about psoriasis and treatments, please visit the National Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org. - NU |
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