8-1-06

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that is viewed with concerns because some people believe it is contagious. But it is not contagious.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects about four and one half million people in the United States. People with psoriasis have inherited genes that create an overactive immune system, which causes skin lesions. It is not an infection and is not contagious says Dr. Lucinda Buescher, associate professor of dermatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, who explains psoriasis.

SOUND BITE: ". . . the skin is much thicker and scalier and the skin, which normally goes through a growing cycle and is replaced about every 28 days. That growing cycle is increased dramatically so the skin turns over about every seven days. So a tremendous amount of energy is going into producing extra skin and actually it’s not the skin itself that seems to be the primary problem, it is actually the inflammatory cells."

Dr. Buescher says environmental factors such as stress, trauma and sunburns can cause a psoriasis flare-up. Bacterial infections including strep throat are often associated with the disorder, especially in children. Although there is not a cure for psoriasis, Dr. Buescher says some treatments options are available.

SOUND BITE: " . . . topical treatments for most patients which would involve topical cortisone creams or medications called retiniods or a topical vitamin D preparation in combination or some sort of program that they would use actually on an everyday program for most patients. Beyond that, we might institute having them get light treatments."

Anyone with psoriasis symptoms should see their primary care physician, who may refer them to a dermatologist for further evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.