Many options for psoriasis treatments

Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach Please give me new medicine information for psoriasis. I break out on my scalp very bad and also on my face, back, chest and arms. It's getting worse. M.T.

Answer Psoriasis is another illness you can blame the immune system for. It sends signals to the skin that prompt the lowest layer of cells to rise to the surface so quickly that they lack the maturity to protect the underlying layers of skin cells. Red patches covered with silvery scales result. Often, psoriatic patches itch.

The choice of medicine rests on where the patches are, how severe the outbreak is and the type of psoriasis a person has. Topical medicines are chosen to treat moderate to mild outbreaks. "Topical" indicates that the medicine is applied directly to the skin. Dovonex (a synthetic version of vitamin D) and Vectical ointment are two widely used topicals.

Stronger medicines belong to the cortisone family. Temovate and Diprolene are two examples.

Methotrexate and cyclosporine are two oral medicines that correct the immune system's excesses.

The newest psoriasis treatments are biological agents designed to rein in the wayward immune system. Their names include Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Amevive and Stelara.

Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach I recently was diagnosed with shingles. I was given a week-long course of Valtrex. Two of the symptoms I experience are some chest pain and mild shortness of breath.

May I still get the shingles vaccine when this clears? P.R.

Answer The chest can be painful if the rash spreads across it. Shortness of breath, however, isn't a common symptom unless the chest pain is forcing you to take shallow breaths.

Let your doctor know what's going on.

Original post:
Many options for psoriasis treatments