Psoriasis - Highlights

Highlights

Overview:

• An estimated 7.5 million Americans (2.2% of the population) have psoriasis.
• The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis

Causes

• Genes play a role in the development of psoriasis. Researchers have discovered that a variation in a group of genes known as LCE can protect against the condition. One of these genes codes for proteins that help maintain the skin's barrier.
• Psoriasis is generally believed to be caused by damage to factors in the immune system, enzymes, and other materials that control skin cell division.
• Part of the process involves an abnormal immune response, which causes inflammation and rapid production of immature skin cells.

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Treatment

• Home ultraviolet B (UVB) treatment is just as safe and effective as hospital-based treatment, and patients may be more likely to get the treatments they need if they administer them at home.
• Medications that reduce the activity of an immune factor called TNF can help patients with severe psoriasis. Anti-TNF therapy can be complicated by serious fungal infections.

Outlook

• Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. Patients with psoriasis have a higher than normal risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and other blood vessel conditions that are also related to inflammation. They should work with their doctors to prevent and manage these problems.

Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).