Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious, immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or the joints. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, patches of skin called "lesions" become inflamed and are covered by silvery white scale. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however, for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild.
About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic [sore-ee-AA-tic] arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.
Forms of psoriasis
There are five types of psoriasis. Click on the names to learn more.
- Plaque: Most common form of the disease
- Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin
- Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds
- Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin
- Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas
Specific skin sites
Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body. Learn more about psoriasis on specific skin sites:
- Scalp psoriasis
- Genital psoriasis
- On the face - Around eyes, ears, mouth and nose
- On the hands and feet
- Psoriasis of the nails
Narrow-band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor's office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency.
Narrow-band UVB phototherapy is the state of the art phototherapy emitting 311-311nm of wavelengths. It offers best combination of efficacy and safety. Its efficacy is much superior to the older broad-band UVB phototherapy and rivals that of PUVA therapy with much less risk of skin malignancy. Dr. Tomcik typically starts a NBUVB phototherapy protocol three times a week and slowly tapers the frequency as the symptoms improve.
NBUVB Phototherapy provides optimal treatment of all steroid-responsive dermatosis including psoriasis, eczema, pruritus, and vitiligo. In particular, NBUVB phototherapy allows for much quicker control of resistant dermatosis such as lichen planus, pityriasis lichenodis chronica, pregnancy-related dermatosis, etc.
