Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease set off by faulty immune-system signals that accelerate the normal turnover of skin cells. Typically, the disease goes though episodes of unpredictable flare-ups and remissions. During the active phase, sharply defined red patches covered by a silver flaky surface appear on the skin. The scalp, elbows and knees are the areas most often affected.

If you suspect that you might have psoriasis or if you’ve received a formal diagnosis, you can take some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. Nearly a million Canadians are affected by psoriasis, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association. Severity of symptoms can range from a few small patches to large areas that cover much of the chest and back, as well as other body sites. Up to a third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis that, in rare cases, can damage and deform joints.

Most people will develop mild psoriasis that can be managed effectively with non-prescription and over-the-counter products. For moderate to severe psoriasis, dermatologists often combine different treatment approaches to capitalize on the benefits of individual therapies, while minimizing their side effects by reducing dosage. The recent introduction of biologic agents to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has greatly changed the outlook for patients with the most severe cases.

There are five types of psoriasis: