What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are a few types of psoriasis. The most classic is called plaque psoriasis, where thick, scaly, red plaques form. They are most commonly seen on the elbows, knees and the scalp. Other forms are pustular psoriasis, which causes pustules or lesions all over the skin. There's a form called guttate, which is very small, round patches. And also a form called inverse psoriasis, where lesions under the arms and in the groin folds form.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It is often seen with psoriasis, but sometimes it's seen independently. There will be swelling and redness, most particularly around the fingers, but it can involve the knees and elbows.
How can psoriasis affect quality of life?
Psoriasis can be a devastating disorder. Psychologically, some patients feel often like lepers. They feel that they're not part of the community and can’t participate in activities such as swimming at their local pool, playing tennis. Even socially, on dates for example, can be very awkward.
What kinds of therapy are available?
For mild cases there are various topical medicines such as cortisone ointments, a vitamin D cream or retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives.
For people with more advanced disease, therapy can include various types of light. The most popular phototherapy is called narrow-band UVB phototherapy. There's also PUVA, which involves taking a pill first, then getting exposed to UVA light. And now available are light therapies that involve laser treatment, which is a UVB laser or vascular lesion lasers.
And then there are the systemic therapies. The older therapies include methotrexate, which is given either orally or as an injection, and cyclosporine, which is given orally. These medicines suppress the immune system.
