Psoriasis (scaly skin disease)

Description A common skin condi...

Description

A common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. The symptoms can vary widely from a mild irritation to a disabling disease. Psoriasis causes thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales. The cause of the disorder is an over active immune system that attacks normal skin. Certain triggers can make the symptoms worse such as infections, skin injury, stress, cold weather, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medications. The disease tends to run in families. Some patients also have arthritis associated with the disease.

Symptoms

Irritated red patches of skin most often found on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can be anywhere on the body. Many times the skin becomes dry and covered with silver flakes (scales), and the affected skin becomes thickened. The nails become thickened and pitted. Some patient experience joint pain.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is usually made by simply looking at the skin. At times a skin biopsy will be done.

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology

Treatment

The goal of therapy is to control the symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Treatment includes: topical steroids, topical vitamin D preparations, topical anthralin, topical retinoids, topical salicylic acid, coal tar, moisturizers, phototherapy, oral retinoids, oral methotrexate, oral cyclosporine, oral hydroxyurea, and oral immunomodulator drugs (etanercept/Enbrel, infliximab/Remicade, adalimumab/Humira). If the rash is extensive hospitalization may be required. Antibiotics will be administered for secondary infections.