 Photograph of an arm covered with plaque psoriasis Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is gray or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath when scratched. In the United States, it affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, navel, palms, ears and groin. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious. Around a quarter of people with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its effects. Psoriasis was first described by the Austrian dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra in 1841. Description of the image Plaque psoriasis on an arm Source of image Photograph taken of my own arm with a digital camera, 17th February 2004. ...
Model of the layers of human skin In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. ...
The scalp is the skin on your head from which hair grows. ...
Elbow redirects here. ...
Human anatomy In human anatomy, the knee joint is a complex, compound, condyloid variety of a synovial joint. ...
For the plant of this name, see Umbilicus rupestris. ...
This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...
For an alternative meaning, see ear (botany). ...
A crotch can be any region or an object, where a trunk splits into two or more limbs. ...
Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. ...
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation) is a group of conditions that affect the health of the bone joints in the body. ...
1841 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ...
Types of psoriasis
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). The scalp is the skin on your head from which hair grows. ...
The group A streptococcus bacterium (Streptococcus pyogenes) is responsible for most cases of streptococcal illness. ...
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. Pus is a whitish-yellow or yellow substance that can be found in regions of bacterial infection, including superficial infections, such as pimples. ...
A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. ...
An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ...
Stress has different meanings in different fields: Stress in physics, see also pressure. ...
A chemical substance is any material substance used in or obtained by a process in chemistry: A chemical compound is a substance consisting of two or more chemical elements that are chemically combined in fixed proportions. ...
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, sweating and/or the presence of yeast or fungal infections. A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, narrowly defined, is any of those parts of the body (which are not always bodily organs according to the strict definition) which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute the reproductive system in an complex organism; namely: Male: penis (notably the glans penis...
The term breast can refer to the upper ventral region of the human torso. ...
The armpit (or axilla) is the area on the human body directly under the area where the arm connects to the shoulder. ...
This article is about the resistive force. ...
Sweating (also called perspiration or sometimes transpiration) is the loss of a watery fluid, consisting mainly of sodium chloride and urea in solution, that is secreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals. ...
Erythrodermic psoriasis Widespread reddening and exfoliation of the skin that may form the intial outbreak of psoriasis, but is more often the result of exascerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly under the triggering effect of: abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment, use of systemic steroids or excessive use of high potency topical steroids corticosteroids (cortisone) or in a koebner response to a widespread allergic reaction or severe sunburn. This form of psoriasis can be genuinely dangerous, since the extreme inflamation and exfoliation interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and perform other barrier functions. In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ...
In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ...
Joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis in patients who have or will develop psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition Psoriasis. ...
Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation and may be referred to as the innate cascade. ...
Effect on the quality of life Individuals with psoriasis may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep. Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. The frequency of medical care is costly and can interfere with an employment or school schedule. People with moderate to severe psoriasis may feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant depression and social isolation. Walking is the main form of animal locomotion on land, distinguished from running and crawling. ...
A girl quietly at sleep Sleep is the fundamental anabolic process common to all life forms, plant and animal. ...
Alternate meanings: Hand (disambiguation) A human left hand The hand (med. ...
Enlarge to view legend Right feet of three siblings The foot is a biological structure found in many animals that is used for locomotion. ...
In ordinary conversation, nearly any mood with some element of sadness may be called depressed. However, for depression to be termed clinical depression it must reach criteria which are generally accepted by clinicians; it is more than just a temporary state of sadness. ...
Causes Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy patches or plaques. The first outbreak of psoriasis is often triggered by emotional or mental stress or physical skin injury, but heredity is a major factor as well. In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease. (Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.) People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flareups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines, including lithium and beta blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease. The immune system is the collection of organs and tissues involved in the adaptive defense of a body against foreign biological material. ...
White blood cells (also called leukocytes or immune cells) are a component of blood. ...
T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that play a large role in the immune response. ...
Stress has different meanings in different fields: Stress in physics, see also pressure. ...
For the scientific journal Heredity see Heredity (journal) Heredity (the adjective is hereditary) is the transfer of characters from parent to offspring, either through their genes or through the social institution called inheritance (for example, a title of nobility is passed from individual to individual according to relevant customs and...
This stylistic schematic diagram shows a gene in relation to the double helix structure of DNA and to a chromosome (right). ...
General Name, Symbol, Number Lithium, Li, 3 Series Alkali metal Group, Period, Block 1(IA), 2, s Density, Hardness 535 kg/m3, 0. ...
Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases. ...
Arterial hypertension, or high blood pressure is a medical condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated. ...
Treatment Doctors generally treat psoriasis in steps based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, type of psoriasis, and the patient's response to initial treatments. This is sometimes called the "1-2-3" approach. In step 1, medicines are applied to the skin (topical treatment). Step 2 uses ultraviolet light treatments (phototherapy). Step 3 involves taking medicines by mouth or injection that treat the whole immune system (called systemic therapy). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength shorter than that of the visible region, but longer than that of soft X-rays. ...
Prism splitting light Light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is visible to the eye, or in a more general sense, any electromagnetic radiation in the range from infrared to ultraviolet. ...
Light therapy or phototherapy consists of exposure to specific ranges of light wavelengths (using lasers or LEDs), or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a prescribed amount of time. ...
The mouth, also known as the buccal cavity or the oral cavity, is the opening through which an animal or human takes in food. ...
Injection has multiple meanings: In mathematics, the term injection refers to an injective function. ...
Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment, especially when topical corticosteroids are used. Also, a treatment that works very well in one person may have little effect in another. Thus, doctors often use a trial-and-error approach to find a treatment that works, and they may switch treatments periodically (for example, every 12 to 24 months) if a treatment does not work or if adverse reactions occur.
Topical treatment Treatments applied directly to the skin may improve its condition. Doctors find that some patients respond well to ointment or cream forms of corticosteroids, vitamin D3, retinoids, coal tar, or anthralin. Bath solutions and moisturizers may be soothing, but they are seldom strong enough to improve the condition of the skin. Therefore, they usually are combined with stronger remedies. In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ...
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. ...
The Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine, primarily due to the way they regulate epithelial cell growth. ...
Coal tar is the liquid by-product of the distillation of coal to make coke. ...
Corticosteroids These drugs reduce inflammation and the turnover of skin cells, and they suppress the immune system. Available in different strengths, topical corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied to the skin twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving, but not completely eliminating, psoriasis. Long-term use or overuse of highly potent (strong) corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin, internal side effects, and resistance to the treatment's benefits. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will prescribe a high-potency corticosteroid ointment. High-potency corticosteroids may also be prescribed for plaques that don't improve with other treatment, particularly those on the hands or feet. In situations where the objective of treatment is comfort, medium-potency corticosteroids may be prescribed for the broader skin areas of the torso or limbs. Low-potency preparations are used on delicate skin areas. (Note: Brand names for the different strengths of corticosteroids are too numerous to list.) Many drugs are provided in tablet form. ...
In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ...
Other side effects of corticosteroids are stretch marks in the skin, and rosacea that can affect the facial skin. Faded stretch marks Stretch marks are a form of scarring generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, and — to a lesser extent — puberty. ...
Moderate erythematotelangiectatic and mild papulopustular rosacea. ...
When using corticosteroids, it is important to follow the doctors advice. Corticosteroids are very useful in the treatment of psoriasis, and used the correct way, side effects are seldom a problem.
Calcipotriol/Calcipotriene (Daivonex/Dovonex) This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that can be applied to the skin. Applying calcipotriol/calcipotriene (for example, Daivonex*) once to twice a day controls the speed of turnover of skin cells. Because calcipotriol/calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for use on the face or genitals. It is sometimes combined with topical corticosteroids to reduce irritation. Use of more than 100 grams of calcipotriol/calcipotriene per week may on very rare occasions raise the amount of calcium in the body. Calcipotriol is the most effective vitamin D3 available for the treatment of psoriasis. Daivonex is available as creme, ointment and scalp solution. A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, narrowly defined, is any of those parts of the body (which are not always bodily organs according to the strict definition) which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute the reproductive system in an complex organism; namely: Male: penis (notably the glans penis...
General Name, Symbol, Number calcium, Ca, 20 Series alkaline earth metal Group, Period, Block 2 (IIA), 4, s Density, Hardness 1550 kg/m3, 1. ...
Combined calcipotriol/calcipotriene and cortisone (Daivobet/Dovobet) Calcipotriol/Calcipotriene based ointments are usually not to be mixed with corticosteroids at the same time due to problems with the active substances interfering with eachother. Lately a product has appeared that combines the product Daivobet/Dovobet(US) with Betamethasone dipropionate, a steroid based product and calcipotriol/calcipotriene. This product is charracterized by its rapid onset of action. The product is also more effective than the two products used separately. A third advantage with this product over most other products used to treat psoriasis is that its applied only once daily.
Retinoids Topical retinoids are synthetic forms of vitamin A. The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is available as a gel or cream that is applied to the skin. If used alone, this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, but it does not cause thinning of the skin or other side effects associated with steroids. However, it can irritate the skin, particularly in skin folds and the normal skin surrounding a patch of psoriasis. It is less irritating and sometimes more effective when combined with a corticosteroid. Because of the risk of birth defects, women of childbearing age must take measures to prevent pregnancy when using tazarotene. The Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine, primarily due to the way they regulate epithelial cell growth. ...
Retinol, the dietary form of vitamin A, is a fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamin important in vision and bone growth. ...
A gel is an apparently solid, jellylike material formed from a colloidal solution. ...
A congenital disorder is a medical condition or defect that is present at or before birth (for example, congenital heart disease). ...
A pregnant woman Pregnancy is the process by which a mammalian female carries a live offspring from conception until it develops to the point where the offspring is capable of living outside the womb. ...
Coal tar Preparations containing coal tar (gels and ointments) may be applied directly to the skin, added (as a liquid) to the bath, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. Coal tar products are available in different strengths, and many are sold over the counter (not requiring a prescription). Coal tar is less effective than corticosteroids and many other treatments and, therefore, is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy for a better result. The most potent form of coal tar may irritate the skin, is messy, has a strong odor, and may stain the skin or clothing. Thus, it is not popular with many patients. The scalp is the skin on your head from which hair grows. ...
A shampoo is a traditional Indian and Persian body massage given after pouring warm water over the body and rubbing it with extracts from herbs. ...
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength shorter than that of the visible region, but longer than that of soft X-rays. ...
Anthralin Anthralin reduces the increase in skin cells and inflammation. Doctors sometimes prescribe a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste once each day to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. Afterward, anthralin must be washed off the skin to prevent irritation. This treatment often fails to adequately improve the skin, and it stains skin, bathtub, sink, and clothing brown or purple. In addition, the risk of skin irritation makes anthralin unsuitable for acute or actively inflamed eruptions.
This peeling agent, which is available in many forms such as ointments, creams, gels, and shampoos, can be applied to reduce scaling of the skin or scalp. Often, it is more effective when combined with topical corticosteroids, anthralin, or coal tar. Salicylic acid is a colorless, crystalline organic carboxylic acid. ...
Clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid available as ointment, cream, liniment, solution and foam. It is used to treat psoriasis on the body, and in the scalp. The foam penetrates the skin very well, is easy to use, and is not as messy as many other topical medications. Since clobetasol propionate is a superpotent corticosteroid, it should not be used for more than 14 days in a row. Clobetasol Propionate comes in ointment and emollient cream presentations. ...
Bath solutions People with psoriasis may find that adding oil when bathing, then applying a moisturizer, soothes their skin. Also, individuals can remove scales and reduce itching by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a coal tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts. Oil is a generic term for organic liquids that are not miscible with water. ...
Oatmeal is a product made by processing oats. ...
Magnesium sulfate (commonly called Epsom salts in hydrated form) is a chemical compound with the formula MgSO4·7H2O. Origin Epsom salt was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters at Epsom, England and afterwards prepared from sea water. ...
The Jordan River flowing into the Dead Sea The Dead Sea (Arabic البحر الميت,Hebrew ים המלח) is the lowest point on the Earths surface. ...
Moisturizers When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they seal water in the skin, reducing scaling and itching.
Light therapy Natural ultraviolet light from the sun and controlled delivery of artificial ultraviolet light are used in treating psoriasis. A Sun is the star at the center of a solar system. ...
Sunlight Much of sunlight is composed of bands of different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. When absorbed into the skin, UV light suppresses the process leading to disease, causing activated T cells in the skin to die. This process reduces inflammation and slows the turnover of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, nonburning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. Therefore, exposing affected skin to sunlight is one initial treatment for the disease. Sunlight is also the trade name of the worlds first packaged, branded laundry soap producted by Lever Brothers. ...
Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy UVB is light with a short wavelength that is absorbed in the skin's epidermis. An artificial source can be used to treat mild and moderate psoriasis. Some physicians will start treating patients with UVB instead of topical agents. A UVB phototherapy, called broadband UVB, can be used for a few small lesions, to treat widespread psoriasis, or for lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally given in a doctor's office by using a light panel or light box. Some patients use UVB light boxes at home under a doctor's guidance. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. ...
A newer type of UVB, called narrowband UVB, emits the part of the ultraviolet light spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Narrowband UVB treatment is superior to broadband UVB, but it is less effective than PUVA treatment (see next paragraph). It is gaining in popularity because it does help and is more convenient than PUVA. At first, patients may require several treatments of narrowband UVB spaced close together to improve their skin. Once the skin has shown improvement, a maintenance treatment once each week may be all that is necessary. However, narrowband UVB treatment is not without risk. It can cause more severe and longer lasting burns than broadband treatment.
Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA) This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. UVA has a long wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB. Psoralen makes the skin more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when the disease interferes with a person's occupation (for example, when a teacher's face or a salesperson's hands are involved). Compared with broadband UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more shortterm side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Care must be taken to avoid sunlight after ingesting psoralen to avoid severe sunburns, and the eyes must be protected for one to two days with UVA-absorbing glasses. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous-cell and, possibly, melanoma skin cancers. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Nausea (Greek Ναυτεία) is the sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit. ...
A headache is a condition of mild to severe pain in the head; sometimes upper back or neck pain may also be interpreted as a headache. ...
Fatigue is a feeling of excessive tiredness or lethargy, with a desire to rest, perhaps to sleep. ...
Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma Melanoma is a malignant tumour of melanocytes . ...
In medicine (dermatology), there are several different types of cancer referred to under the general label of skin cancer. ...
Ciclosporin (INN), cyclosporine or cyclosporin (former BAN), is an immunosuppressant drug. ...
Computerized tunable targeted light systems Newly developed tunable targeted multiwavelength system claim to supercede classical phototherapy. These systems use narrow band UVB targeted selectively to the psoriatic lesions through a fiber optic delivery system. Since by using these systems light targets only the psoriatic lesions there is no damage to surrounding normal skin. Since normal skin is not exposed, high intensity may be used allowing clearing of psoriatic plaques in 8-10 treatments instead of 30 to 40 treatments with the classical full body phototherapy units[1] (http://www.curelight.com/_Articles/Article.asp?ArticleID=36&CategoryID=55&Page=1)
Light therapy combined with other therapies Studies have shown that combining ultraviolet light treatment and a retinoid, like acitretin, adds to the effectiveness of UV light for psoriasis. For this reason, if patients are not responding to light therapy, retinoids may be added. UVB phototherapy, for example, may be combined with retinoids and other treatments. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste that is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours. A similar regime, the Goeckerman treatment, combines coal tar ointment with UVB phototherapy. Also, PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (such as retinoids) to increase its effectiveness. The Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine, primarily due to the way they regulate epithelial cell growth. ...
X-ray radiation Stubborn psoriasis on the scalp can be treated with a form of X-ray radiation called Grenz ray. There is a limit to the number of treatments that can be given. Effect is said to be longer lasting than other treatments. This form of therapy is considered to have unacceptable risks and is no longer used in most countries.
Systemic treatment For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that are taken internally by pill or injection. This is called systemic treatment. Recently, attention has been given to a group of drugs called biologics (for example, alefacept and etanercept), which are made from proteins produced by living cells instead of chemicals. They interfere with specific immune system processes. For other meanings please see Tablet (disambiguation) Common disk-shaped pills A pharmacological tablet is a medicinal or other active substance mixed with binder powders and pressed into a tablet form. ...
Injection has multiple meanings: In mathematics, the term injection refers to an injective function. ...
Etanercept (Enbrel®, co-marketed by Amgen and Wyeth) is a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) receptor. ...
A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ...
The immune system is the collection of organs and tissues involved in the adaptive defense of a body against foreign biological material. ...
Methotrexate Like cyclosporine, methotrexate slows cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. It can be taken by pill or injection. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people who have had liver disease or anemia (an illness characterized by weakness or tiredness due to a reduction in the number or volume of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues). It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB treatments. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, or by women who are planning to get pregnant, because it may cause birth defects. Methotrexate (abbreviated MTX; formerly known as amethopterin) is an antimetabolite drug used in treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. ...
The liver is an organ in vertebrates including humans. ...
General Name, Symbol, Number Oxygen, O, 8 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 16 (VIA), 2, p Density, Hardness 1. ...
Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen to body tissues via the blood. ...
White blood cells (also called leukocytes or immune cells) are a component of blood. ...
A 250 ml bag of newly collected platelets. ...
Anemia (American English) or anaemia (Commonwealth English), which literally means without blood, is a lack of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. ...
Retinoids A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment with acitretin. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after these products are discontinued.
Cyclosporine Taken orally, cyclosporine acts by suppressing the immune system to slow the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but the improvement stops when treatment is discontinued. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to, or cannot tolerate, other systemic therapies. Its rapid onset of action is helpful in avoiding hospitalization of patients whose psoriasis is rapidly progressing. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system or those who have had skin cancers as a result of PUVA treatments in the past. It should not be given with phototherapy. Kidneys viewed from behind with spine removed The kidneys are bean-shaped excretory organs in vertebrates. ...
In medicine, hypertension refers to the problem of abnormally high blood pressure. ...
6-Thioguanine This drug is nearly as effective as methotrexate and cyclosporine. It has fewer side effects, but there is a greater likelihood of anemia. This drug must also be avoided by pregnant women and by women who are planning to become pregnant, because it may cause birth defects.
Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is somewhat less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB treatments. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and retinoids, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant, because it may cause birth defects. Hydroxyurea or hydroxycarbamide (brand names include Hydrea®) is an antineoplastic drug used in hematological malignancies. ...
Alefacept (Amevive) This is the first biologic drug approved specifically to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is administered by a doctor, who injects the drug once a week for 12 weeks. The drug is then stopped for a period of time while changes in the skin are observed and a decision is made regarding the need or further treatment. Because alefacept suppresses the immune system, the skin often improves, but there is also an increased risk of infection or other problems, possibly including cancer. Monitoring by a doctor is required, and a patient's blood must be tested weekly around the time of each injection to make certain that T cells and other immune system cells are not overly depressed.
Etanercept (Enbrel) This drug is an approved treatment for psoriatic arthritis where the joints swell and become inflamed. Like alefacept, it is a biologic response modifier, which after injection blocks interactions between certain cells in the immune system. Etanercept limits the action of a specific protein that is overproduced in the lubricating fluid of the joints and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation. Because this same protein is overproduced in the skin of people with psoriatic arthritis, patients receiving etanercept also may notice an improvement in their skin. Individuals should not receive etanercept treatment if they have an active infection, a history of recurring infections, or an underlying condition, such as diabetes, that increases their risk of infection. Those who have psoriasis and certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cannot be treated with this drug. Added caution is needed for psoriasis patients who have rheumatoid arthritis; these patients should follow the advice of a rheumatologist regarding this treatment. Etanercept (Enbrel®, co-marketed by Amgen and Wyeth) is a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) receptor. ...
This article is about a joint in zootomical anatomy. ...
This article is about the disease that features high blood sugar. ...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. ...
Rheumatology, a subspecialty of internal medicine, is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. ...
These medications are not indicated in routine treatment of psoriasis. However, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as that caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, triggers an outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis. An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ...
Species S. pneumoniae S. pyogenes S. viridans Streptococcus is a genus of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes. ...
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