Nearly 3 percent of people on the planet have psoriasis–that’s 125 million people. While there is no cure, it is not contagious.
It is a disease of the immune system that affects the skin and joints. It may also affect fingernails and toenails, but most frequently involves the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. We do not currently have the technology to modify the genes that make a person susceptible to developing psoriasis. But it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years, and occasionally, even permanently.
Treatment for Psoriasis
Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient’s age, medical history and life; and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).
There are five types of psoriasis:
- Plaque
- Guttate
- Inverse
- Pustular
- Erythrodermic
Some people get more than one type. Sometimes a person gets one type of psoriasis, and then the type of psoriasis changes.
Sunlight does not worsen psoriasis – in fact, natural sunlight in moderation (not enough to redden or burn the skin) can lessen the effects of psoriasis. Psoriasis is sometimes treated using ultraviolet light.
