Psoriasis occurs in 1-3% of the population worldwide. The disease is transmitted genetically and is usually lifelong. It is characterized by chronic flare ups and remissions that can be emotionally and physically debilitating. Stress, steroids orally or intramuscularly, Lithium and alcohol can make psoriasis worse. Psoriasis can first manifest itself in childhood when the first episode can be stimulated by a streptococcal throat infection. Patients with psoriasis often avoid social activities such as sunbathing for fear of other people discovering their condition. The psoriatic lesions can affect the scalp, body, tongue, genital area and nails. The plaques are red and scaly with white-silvery thick flakes. When these flakes are scratched the skin bleeds easily. One may experience itching and burning or no symptoms at all. Psoriasis can affect the entire surface of the skin and even require hospitalization when severe. Psoriasis can also cause arthritis which can be painful and mutilating.
Treatment includes topical agents, intralesional steroid injections, Methotrexate, Humira, Embrel, Cyclosporine, Soriatene and light therapy. We offer narrowband ultraviolet therapeutic UVB treatments which are very successful in treating this disease.