Psoriasis
Psoriasis (Latin name)By Bjarne Lühr Hansen PhD, MD and Philipp Skafte-Holm MD, Mentor Institute
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with red and scaly patches on the knees, elbows and scalp. Psoriasis can cause slight itching but does not interfere much. There is no treatment to cure psoriasis but treatment that can keep the disease down.
A few percent of the population suffer from psoriasis. Most cases begin between the ages of 15 and 30 - frequently in men and women.
One does not know the cause of psoriasis but heredity plays an important role.
Psoriasis is manifested by red and scaly spots most commonly on the knees, elbows and scalp. The rash starts like small buds that gradually turn red and are covered by white or silvery scales. The rash doesn't hurt.
About half also have the typical nail changes. On the nails, point-shaped indentations occur. The nail may become discolored and fall off.
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but there is effective treatment that can keep the disease down. In the vast majority, local treatment with different creams is enough.
In about 20 % treatment with special medication and light is necessary. This treatment is done by a dermatologist.