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Psoriasis

Contents of this Article

What is Psoriasis? Who Gets Psoriasis? Emotional Impact & Psychological Support Causes of Psoriasis How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Treatment of Psoriasis Sea, Salt, & Sun FDA Approves First Biologic Therapy Psoriasis Research For More Information About Psoriasis

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. The doctor, most commonly a dermatologist, might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope. There are several forms of psoriasis. Some of these include:

• Plaque psoriasis - Skin lesions are red at the base and covered by silvery scales.
• Guttate psoriasis - Small, drop-shaped lesions appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections (for example, a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria).
• Pustular psoriasis - Blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.
• Inverse psoriasis - Smooth, red patches occur in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The symptoms may be worsened by friction and sweating.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - Widespread reddening and scaling of the skin may be a reaction to severe sunburn or to taking corticosteroids (cortisone) or other medications. It can also be caused by a prolonged period of increased activity of psoriasis that is poorly controlled.
• Psoriatic arthritis - Joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis.

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References:
1) National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) - May 2008 - www.4woman.gov
2) U.S. Food and Drug Administration - FDA Talk Paper - January 2003 - www.fda.gov
3) U.S. Food and Drug Administration - FDA Consumer Magazine - September - October 2004 - www.fda.gov
4) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - Information Clearinghouse - National Institutes of Health - May 2003 - www.niams.nih.gov

This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory