Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor’s office or psoriasis clinic.
For years people with psoriasis had options that were either time consuming or had difficult side effects. The new science of biologics is offering treatments that may help people not only manage their disease but also clear psoriasis for months and sometimes years.
Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition.
Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, get a strep infection, or experiences another trigger.
It changes them physically because of the lesions that appear on the skin when people are diagnosed with psoriasis. Just as importantly, it may influence how they work, play, view themselves and interact with others.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. Until recently, little was known about psoriasis.
Can Genetics Cause Psoriasis?
Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, get a strep infection, or experiences another trigger.
While scientists still do not fully know what causes psoriasis, research has significantly advanced our understanding. When taking cyclosporine, one important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. You can’t catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can’t spread it to other parts of your body.
