Diagnosing And Treating Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease affecting more than 4.5 million adults in the United States. There are several different forms of this condition, which strikes in varying levels of severity. The most common side effect is the intense itching and burning of the skin.
Dr. J. Scott Kasteler, dermatologist at Clark Memorial Hospital, will host a free seminar on psoriasis, how it is diagnosed and the latest treatments, on Tuesday, Oct. 5. The program begins at 6 p.m.
Psoriasis is not contagious and frequently affects the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet and lower back. Research has concluded that the skin disease is related to the immune system and often appears as patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup. In certain kinds of psoriasis, it also may appear similar to pimples or have a burned appearance.
The disease is carried in genes that make certain individuals more likely to develop psoriasis. However, not everyone that carries the gene develops the skin condition. Certain triggers will cause psoriasis to appear, including:
Emotional stress;
Injury to the skin;
Some types of infection; and
Reaction to certain drugs.
Psoriasis is diagnosed through a physician examination, and should be attended to immediately. The untreated development of psoriasis can lead to more serious conditions including psoriatic arthritis, which affects joints and range of motion.
If you experience patches of raised red skin covered by a flaky white buildup around your knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet and lower back, you may have psoriasis, a condition that is treatable.
Join Dr. Kasteler, at Clark Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m., for a free seminar on the diagnosis and latest treatments of psoriasis. The program will be in the private dining room at the hospital. To register, call 283-2079.
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