Treatment Options For Psoriasis Becomes Main Focus for MayoClinic.com

New details from the National Institutes of Health, have depicted that as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.

Experts offer that it often appears between the ages of 15 and 25, but can develop at any age.

It is noteworthy of mention that psoriasis treatments aim to interrupt the cycle that increases production of skin cells, consequently it is said that this method thereby reduces inflammation and plaque formation.

At this stage, a new feature on MayoClinic.com focuses on psoriasis treatment options, including topical treatments, light therapy (phototherapy) and oral medications.

Patients and their relative might do well to note that psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells.

Normally, new cells take about a month to move from the lowest skin layer where they're produced, to the outermost layer where they die and flake off.

With psoriasis, the entire life cycle takes only days. As a result, cells build up rapidly, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.

At this stage, experts reportedly have the following method of treatments set up for psoriasis:

Topical Treatments:

When used exclusively, creams and ointments applied to skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis.

However, if the skin disease is more severe, creams are likely to be combined with oral medications or phototherapy.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy):

This psoriasis treatment uses natural or artificial light. The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms of light therapy include using artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, either alone or in combination with medications.

Oral Medications:

Severe psoriasis, or psoriasis that are resistant to other types of treatment, may be treated with oral or injected drugs. Due to severe side effects, some of these medications are used for brief periods and may be alternated with other forms of treatment.


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Skin-Lightening Cremes Sold On Black Market Said To Have Serious Health Risks

New details have emerged depicting that danger of using skin lightening creams sold on the black market.

As was described in a Clinical Picture described in the February 16, 2008 issue of The Lancet, Dr. Tricia Tan and Dr. Tony Goldstone of the Endrocrine Unit in the Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK, were involved in the team that treated the patients and co-authored this piece.

Reportedly, the woman, at 28 years old, had gained 12.7 kg (28.0 lb) in the previous three years and had been attempting impregnation for 18 months unsuccessfully, despite a regular menstrual cycle.

Furthermore, she also described stripes on her arms, back abdomen, and legs, in addition to sensitivity to bruising and recurrent thrush or yeast infection.

It is noteworthy of mention that the related doctors noted central obesity (a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 36.6 kg/m2, where a BMI that is greater than 30 is considered obese), a pad of fat between her shoulder blades, and round face. She had pigmented stretch marks on her body, as well as thin, bruised skin, and mild hair growth on her back and face, combined with muscle weakness.

A conclusion was made regarding skin-lightening cremes as they impact the clinical settting.
"Patients are often reluctant to admit that they have used skin-lightening creams - especially if these are supplied illegally. Similarly, doctors can be unaware of the need to inquire. But the market is worth millions of pounds a year, in the UK alone. Creams can contain toxic substances, such as steroids and hydroxyquinone - and patients are typically unaware of the risks."