What is psoriasis treatment and what does it do?

Answer 1

The most common sign of psoriasis is a psoriasis plaque, a raised, red skin patch covered by a silvery-white coating. Eight out of 10 people with psoriasis have plaques. These patches can form anywhere on your skin but are most likely to show up on your knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. You may have several patches that join together to form a big patch. Plaques are itchy, but resist scratching them because scratching can make them become thicker.

In at least half of the people who have psoriasis, the scalp is affected. Scalp psoriasis can range from mild, dandruff-like scaling to crusty plaques that extend beyond your hairline to your forehead or neck. This type of psoriasis can be very itchy. Using a medicated shampoo may help with scalp psoriasis. As many as half of all people with psoriasis experience nail changes caused by the condition. Changes in your nails may include pitting (holes), alterations in color and shape, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. About one in twenty people with psoriasis will have painful, stiff joints. This type of joint pain and swelling is called psoriatic Arthritis. In many cases psoriatic arthritis affects only the fingers and toes. If you develop psoriatic arthritis, you will almost certainly experience nail changes. In rare cases, this form of arthritis can be severe and affect the joints in your spine as well.

Psoriasis does not appear to directly cause any of these diseases, but it does put you at higher risk for developing them. Studies show that having psoriasis increases your risk of stroke and Diabetes by about 40 percent. If you are 30 years old and you have severe psoriasis, your chances of having a heart attack are tripled. Take steps to lower your risk and protect your health by eating a heart-smart diet, getting regular exercise, and controlling your weight. Having psoriasis can be stressful. Studies show that people with psoriasis may have higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Answer 2

The type of treatment needs to be determined by your physician. For extreme cases of psoriasis, the treatment needed would involve ultra violet light treatments. In small cases you may use ointments and lotions.