Even though there are records of the skin disorder psoriasis dating back 2,000 years, only recently have people had more than a few moderately effective treatment options. These new therapies were developed after researchers realized that psoriasis results not from the skin itself but from a malfunction in the immune system. So today, people living with the plaques or lesions that characterize psoriasis can choose from creams or ointments, light therapy or treatments that affect the immune system.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin. In the past, it was felt to be strictly a skin disorder, but then experts realized that it's actually an immune-mediated disorder that is showing itself in the skin. It is due to circulating immune system cells called T-cells that cause inflammation in the skin that leads to skin thickening and red, scaly plaques. The standard definition of severe psoriasis is psoriasis covering 10 percent total body surface area.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are a few types of psoriasis. The most classic is called plaque psoriasis, where thick, scaly, red plaques form. They are most commonly seen on the elbows, knees and the scalp. Other forms are pustular psoriasis, which causes pustules or lesions all over the skin. There's a form called guttate, which is very small, round patches. And also a form called inverse psoriasis, where lesions under the arms and in the groin folds form.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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