1. Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Slideshow Pictures
2. Psoriasis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
3. How Much Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Life?

Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Psoriasis facts
• What is psoriasis?
• What causes psoriasis?
• What does psoriasis look like? What are psoriasis symptoms and signs?
• Can psoriasis affect my joints?
• How is psoriasis diagnosed?
• Can psoriasis affect only my nails?
• How many people have psoriasis?
• Is psoriasis curable?
• Is psoriasis contagious?
• Can I transmit the gene for psoriasis to my children?
• What kind of doctor treats psoriasis?
• What is the treatment for psoriasis?
• What creams, lotions, and home remedies are available for psoriasis?
• What oral medications are available for psoriasis?
• What injections or infusions are available for psoriasis?
• What about light therapy for psoriasis?
• Where can I get more information on psoriasis?
• Is there a national psoriasis support group?
• What is my long-term prognosis with psoriasis? What are complications of psoriasis?
• Pictures of Psoriasis - Slideshow
• Take the Psoriasis Quiz
• Psoriasis FAQs
• Patient Comments: Psoriasis - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Scalp Psoriasis - Treatment
• Patient Comments: Psoriasis - Effective Treatments
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Psoriasis Index

Your dermatologist, the American Academy of Dermatology at http://www.AAD.org, and the National Psoriasis Foundation at http://www.psoriasis.org/home/ may be excellent sources of more information.

There are many ongoing clinical trials for psoriasis all over the United States and in the world. Many of these clinical trials are ongoing at academic or university medical centers and are frequently open to patients without cost.

Clinical trials frequently have specific requirements for types and severity of psoriasis that may be enrolled into a specific trial. Patients need to contact these centers and inquire regarding the specific study requirements. Some studies have restrictions on what recent medications have been used for psoriasis, current medication, and overall health.

Some of the many medical centers in the U.S. offering clinical trials for psoriasis include the University of California, San Francisco Department of Dermatology, the University of California, Irvine Department of Dermatology, and the St. Louis University Medical School.

Yes, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is an organization dedicated to helping patients with psoriasis and furthering research in this field. They hold national and local chapter meetings. The NPF web site (http://www.psoriasis.org/home/) shares up-to-date reliable medical information and statistics on the condition.

Overall, the prognosis for most patients with psoriasis is good. While it is not curable, it is controllable. Recent studies show an association of psoriasis and other medical conditions, including obesity and heart disease.

What does the future hold?

Psoriasis research is heavily funded and holds great promise for the future. Just the last five to 10 years have brought great strides forward in treatment of the disease with medications aimed at treating the overactive immune system that causes the skin inflammation of psoriasis. Ongoing research is needed to decipher the ultimate underlying cause of this disease.

REFERENCE:

Villaseñor-Park, Jennifer, David Wheeler, and Lisa Grandinetti. "Psoriasis: Evolving Treatment for a Complex Disease." Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 79.6 June 2012: 413-423.