Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is an incurable disease of the immune system. Pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis, it varies by person but typically appears as lesions, inflammation, and redness on the scalp, torso, knees and elbows. It is not contagious. Although researchers do not know what causes psoriasis, there are treatments to lessen the severity, such as topical steroid and non-steroid creams and ultraviolet-light therapy.
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for psoriasis?
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There are a few alternative treatments for psoriasis that seem effective, but be sure to check with your doctor before beginning use. A cream made from chili peppers, capsaicin cream, is used by some to relieve symptoms. Rubbing aloe vera into skin may... Full Answer
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- Q What are the alternative treatments for psoriasis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf you need relief from the itch and pain of psoriasis, make a cayenne pepper paste. Simply add equal parts of cayenne powder to olive oil and apply with a spoon to the affected area for instant relief. Full Answer
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- Q Why doesn't moisturizer seem to be helping my psoriasis?
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A moisturizer may or may not help with your psoriasis, but you'll probably need some other form of treatment as well. That's why it is important to see your doctor about finding the best way to manage your condition. If you are using a moisturizer it is... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of phototherapy for psoriasis?
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Risks of phototherapy include: Skin cancer. UVB is the part of sunlight that causes suntans, sunburns, skin damage and aging. Exposure to UVB light can also lead to skin cancer and can cause serious eye damage. The risk of skin cancer increases with... Full Answer
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- Q How effective is phototherapy for psoriasis?
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Phototherapy is usually an effective treatment for psoriasis. Partial to full skin clearing occurs after an average of 20 clinic treatments. More severe psoriasis may require more treatments. Using home equipment, which is less powerful than equipment... Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect after having phototherapy for psoriasis?
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As your skin recovers from treatment, it should be checked at least once or twice a year for signs of skin damage or skin cancer. Full Answer
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- Q What should I know before I have phototherapy for psoriasis?
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Phototherapy requires a lot of time for treatment, and UV booth equipment is expensive. Commercial tanning beds, which emit UVA, are less effective for psoriasis than UV booths. For people who have erythroderma or pustular psoriasis, UV treatment may... Full Answer
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- Q Why may I need phototherapy for psoriasis?
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PUVA (the use of psoralen medicines with UVA light therapy) is usually used when psoriasis is disabling and safer treatments have not worked. UVB light alone (without drugs) is used for widespread plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for psoriasis?
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At this time there is no cure for psoriasis, but studies look at new options regularly. Recent studies have focused on what role genes play in psoriasis development. Identifying the cause would be a major step in creating a cure. It's also thought that... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my psoriasis symptoms?
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If you begin to display symptoms of psoriasis, it's probably in your best interest to talk to your doctor. Psoriasis isn't a life threatening condition, but it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. The good news is there are several treatment options... Full Answer
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