About Psoriasis About Vitiligo About Eczema About Dandruff About Stretch Marks About Phototherapy Publications Links About Psoriasis Psoriasis is a major skin disease that is often both physically and psychologically disabling. The name "psoriasis" comes from the Greek word "psor," that means "of itching." It affects all age groups, races and both sexes. It is characterized by red, irritated, dry, flaking skin that is easily traumatized. Scalp psoriasis sufferers awaken each morning with flakes of skin and sometimes blood on their pillows. Their scalps may burn and itch constantly. The disease pathogenesis remains unknown and there is no cure. Although psoriasis has a suspected genetic origin, no specific "gene" has been identified. Approximately 2 - 3% of the U.S. population, over 6 million people, has psoriasis. The disease may affect all areas of the body but is most common on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Several treatments for psoriasis and scalp psoriasis exist, including steroids, retinoids, and antimetabolites such as methotrexate, with limited success and potentially serious side-effects or complication. The most effective treatments are usually phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Traditionally these are difficult to apply to the scalp or areas covered by hair. Existing treatments can clear but do not cure the affected areas. While repeated treatments can keep psoriasis in remission, symptoms return after a variable period of time. Therefore the objective of the treatment modalities currently under development focus on therapeutic schemes, which offer convenience to the patient and provide relief without substantial discomfort or risk to an already compromised lifestyle. For more information about Psoriasis visit the web site or the National Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org.

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