8/4/09

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that can cause some concern because some people believe it is contagious.  But it is NOT contagious.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects about seven 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. Stephen Stone, professor of dermatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

SOUND BITE:  “Psoriasis is a genetic disease manifested primarily by red scaly patches on the skin.  Some of the areas involved are the scalp, knees and elbows, the fissure in between the buttocks, and can even involve the fingernails and toenails as well.  It can actually be so severe to involve all the skin.”

Dr. Stone says environmental factors such as stress, trauma and sunburns can cause psoriasis flare-ups.   He adds that although there is not a cure for the condition, there are some very good treatments.

SOUND BITE: “There are over the counter creams such as ones that contain tar or salicylic acid or a combination of the two.  Those are available at many pharmacies or online. Then there are various forms of cortisone.  And the cortisone creams work particularly well if used in combination with other creams such as a vitamin D derivative and there are a couple of those on the market.  These are all prescriptions.”

Dr. Stone says individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis may need systemic therapy or treatments known as biologics which are injectable.  Anyone with psoriasis symptoms should see their primary care physician, who may refer the individual to a dermatologist for further evaluation and possible treatment.

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