Psoriasis

True or false: high potency topical corticosteroids can be used on the face

False

What is the most important principle of psoriasis treatment?

Gentle removal of scales

What is psoriasis?

It is the most common skin disease caused by an overproduction of Keratin

What can exacerbate psoriasis?

• Cold, unfavorable environments • Medications (B/B, indomethacin(Indocin)

What are the risk factors?

• Infections (strep, Candida, URI) • Skin trauma, recent surgery • Genetics • Stress(Overstimulation of the immune system) • Seasons (warm weather improves symptoms) • Hormones (puberty or menopause) • Medications (lithium, B/B, Antimalarials, indocin(Indomethacin)

What does psoriasis look like?

•Red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales (not moist). • Bleeding stimulated by removal of scales • Skin lesions primarily on the scalp, elbows and knees, sacrum and lateral areas of the extremities • Pitting, crumbling of nails

What medications are used to treat it?

•Topical corticosteroids -triamcinolone (Kenalog) • Biologicals cyclosporine(Neoral)

Is there any cure for psoriasis?

No cure. Full-time management is necessary.

What can be applied to increase the effectiveness of the corticosteroid?

Occlusive dressings (The hands can be wrapped with gloves, the feet in plastic bags, and the head in a shower cap)

What treatment can be done when psoriasis becomes widespread?

Photochemotherapy