Psoriasis
Psoriasis is one of the most common skin problems (affecting 1 - 3 percent of the population), and appears as inflamed areas of skin, topped with white scale. Up to one-third of patients first develop the disorder during childhood, especially during the teenage years. Psoriasis is a chronic problem with periods of spontaneous remissions and recurrences. Although many patients report that another family member has psoriasis, most patients do not have anyone in the family with the disorder.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown. What we do know, however, is that trauma to the skin may cause a lesion at the site of trauma, called the "Koebner phenomenon." This explainswhy many lesions of psoriasis occur at areas of trauma, such as the scalp, the elbows, knees and buttocks. Very small lesions of psoriasis (called "guttate psoriasis") may occur all over the body and can be seen a few weeks after a strep throat.
What to expect
If treatment is needed, it should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist, and the patient should be evaluated regularly.
The management of psoriasis may be simple in mild cases, with use of low- or middle-strength topical steroid cream/ointment. Patients with more severe or widespread involvement often need more intense therapy. Tars and anthralin, as well as vitamin A- and vitamin D-derived agents are other topical treatment options, in addition to topical steroids. Occasionally, children with psoriasis may be treated with ultraviolet light therapy. Systemic medications are occasionally used, but are reserved for patients with severe disease that has been resistant to other treatments.
Injury to the skin should be minimized, as feasible, by wearing protective guards when participating in sports. Tight clothing and shoes should be avoided as well. Although sunlight is often very helpful for patients with psoriasis, caution should be exercised as sunburn can result in new psoriasis lesions at the sites of the burn.