By Erinn Hutkin, Special to U-T San Diego 6 p.m.Feb. 18, 2014
Psoriasis is a skin condition many may have heard about from TV ads promoting prescription drugs. However, there are several ways to treat the disease, and the medications that are typically advertised are often the last in a line of treatments used by those with the condition.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, psoriasis is a skin disease that results in scaling and inflammation. Its often associated with pain, swelling, heat and redness.
Its a condition that affects about 2 percent of the population, according to Dr. Mona Mofid, a dermatologist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, and there are many forms of the disease. The condition is chronic, and while she said theres no cure, its something patients and doctors work to keep under control.
The most common form, she said, is plaque psoriasis, which generally affects the skin around joints such as the elbows and knees. Its often marked by large, scaly, silvery patches that itch.
Other forms, such as inverse psoriasis, often target the folds of the skin, including the groin, armpits and under the breasts. Some forms of psoriasis are found on the face and scalp, creating a form of dandruff on the face, while other types affect the whole body and can be life-threatening.
While the cause of the disease is unknown, Mofid said different genes are being examined to pinpoint its origin. She likens the skin cells of those with psoriasis to being on overdrive basically. According to WebMD.com, the cells mature about five times faster than cells in normal skin.
And unlike normal skin cells, which naturally slough off, these cells pile up on the skins surface almost faster than snow on a snowdrift, according to the website.
Although the cause of the disease is unclear, Mofid said there are known triggers for psoriasis, mainly stress. She said stress that causes the disease to flare up can come in many forms. Theres emotional stress everything from work or money issues to life-altering events such as death or divorce and theres also physical stress, She said something that physically taxes the body, like getting the flu, breaking a leg, even banging an elbow into a desk at work, can cause the disease to make its presence known.
Theres often a trigger for psoriasis, she said. Something turns it on. Psoriasis loves elbows, knees and shins. It will flare with trauma.
More here:
Many forms of psoriasis; just as many treatments
- Research and Markets: Global Plaque Psoriasis Pipeline Capsule - 2013 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- New Psoriasis Controlâ„¢ Shampoo Combines Salon Luxury with Fast Relief for Psoriasis, Dandruff and Dermatitis of the ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- National Psoriasis Foundation awards $450,000 in research grants [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Could shedding extra pounds improve psoriasis? [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Weight Loss Might Ease Psoriasis, Study Hints [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Research and Markets: Global Psoriasis Pipeline Capsule - 2013 Report Available now for Review [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Oolong tea helps eczema, may help with psoriasis [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Managing Your Psoriasis With Dermalex Psoriasis Cream - Dermalex - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Dermalex Treatment For Psoriasis [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- What are the Causes and Triggers of Psoriasis? - Dermalex - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Psoriasis and stress: NPF grantee Theoharis Theoharides discusses his psoriasis research - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- Psoriasis Walnut Creek - Walnut Creek Skin [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2013]
- I Have Psoriasis - June 25, 2013 - itsJudysLife Vlog - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Scalp Psoriasis Remedies | Psoriasis Help - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Scalp Psoriasis Remedies | Psoriasis Help - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs | Psoriasis Signs - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs | Psoriasis Signs - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- UVBioTek Narrow band UVB phototherapy for treating Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Clear Skin and Calm Insides - EZ Aloe Tutorial for Ulcers, PMS, Rosacea, Psoriasis, and Colitis. - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2013]
- Lye Soap GOOD FOR Acme,psoriasis, Eczema, SEE NOTE - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 congress - Carle Paul, Coordinator of the Psoriaisis International Network, France - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 - Participant interview - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 Congress - Luigi Naldi, Coordinator of the Scientific Programme, Italy - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 Congress - Interview with Nejib Doss - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 Congress - Interview of Carle Paul - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 Congress - Interview of Carle Paule - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Donnato de la O Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis 2013 Congress - Interview with Lotus Mallbris, Pfizer, USA - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Gangrene psoriasis weight loss cholesterol blood sugar drop Kangen Water testimonies - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Free For Life: Does Psoriasis Free For Life Actually Work? - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Transmit Psoriasis to My Children | Psoriasis in Children - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Transmit Psoriasis to My Children | Psoriasis in Children - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- How many people have psoriasis? | Psoriasis Relief - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- How many people have psoriasis? | Psoriasis Relief - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2013]
- Guttat Psoriasis kur - naturlig kur for Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2013]
- On Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2013]
- PSORIASIS HOMEOPATHY - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2013]
- Psoriasis - How To Treat Psoriasis Tips - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2013]
- InfiniteAloe Skin Care knocks out Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2013]
- BT Winnipeg - BT Health: Psoriasis 07.22.2013 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2013]
- Natural Treatment for Psoriasis - Natural Treatment for Psoriasis at Home - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2013]
- Psoriasis Eczema Eat Zero Mayo #8 of 9 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2013]
- PharmaPoint Psoriasis US Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2022 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2013]
- Psoriasis treatment and cure : dr ambalkars ayurvedic research centre - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2013]
- psoriasis treatment - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2013]
- Get some natural relief from Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2013]
- What Is Good For Psoriasis Part 5 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2013]
- What Is Good For Psoriasis Part 4 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2013]
- What Is Good For Psoriasis Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2013]
- What Is Good For Psoriasis Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2013]
- What Is Good For Psoriasis Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2013]
- How to Treat Psoriasis Naturally - Part 7 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Treat Psoriasis Naturally - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 6 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 5 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 4 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Natural Ways To Treat Psoriasis - Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- psoriasis treated with homeopathy - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Psoriasis Eczema Tomato History Zero Tomatoes Cure - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 7 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 6 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 5 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 4 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- Biocon ALZUMAb launched in India : First in Class Novel Biologic Treatment for Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2013]
- psoriasis and thank yous - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- diet regulation of psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- www.xtracnow.com | FOX Morning News | Treating Psoriasis Interview with Dr. Stephen Mahoney - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- www.xtracnow.com | FOX Morning News | Treating Psoriasis Interview with Dr. Stephen Mahoney - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- Paarvai 3: Samuthayam - Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- Fundación psoriasis , alimentación sugerida para personas con psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up - Part 7 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up - Part 6 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up - Part 5 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up - Part 4 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]
- What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up - Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2013]