Psoriasis, originating from the Greek word psora (meaning "to itch"), is a chronic, incurable, noncontagious skin disease. For centuries, psoriasis was confused with leprosy. Because of the failure to differentiate between these diseases, people with psoriasis could experience.humiliation and abandonment by their family and community.
In the nineteenth century, Dr. Hebra and Dr. Kaposi realized that leprosy was different from psoriasis and helped classify the latter as a distinct medical disease. Since then, scientists have been trying to find the root cause of the disease, effective and safe treatments, and, most importantly, a cure.
Affecting approximately 1-3 percent of the population, psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders. It can appear at any age and is one of the most common reasons for office visits to dermatologists.
A dermatologist is a doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases after completing medical school. Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails such as psoriasis. Many psoriasis patients are either dissatisfied or frustrated with their treatments given that psoriasis is currently an incurable disease that can recur after treatment. It is hoped that this blog will provide some help and guidance to these patients, and outline some of the promising new treatments for psoriasis.
In the past decade, scientists have gained a better understanding of the disease process of psoriasis. As such, new specific, rational therapies have been and are being developed, and there is reason for great hope that these therapies will effectively treat patients. We and others have participated in international clinical research trials that have studied new, safe, highly targeted, and effective therapies that are providing new choices for patients in the management of this disease. These therapeutic agents are now finding their way into the clinic and to patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
This blog will help educate you, your family, and others about psoriasis. In addition, you will gain greater insight into and understanding of the nature of the disease, its potential treatments, and their benefits and risks. Ultimately, this information will enable those affected to effectively deal with their disease and thereby attain a better quality of life.
Skin - Our Largest Organ
Normal Skin
Human skin is a complicated, important, and fascinating organ. The skin is the largest organ of your body, covering 10.5-21 square feet (1-2 square meters). It forms a vital boundary separating the outside world from the inside of your body.
The skin is an extremely versatile organ: It is flexible yet waterproof; helps keep you warm and cool; and protects you from the environment, foreign substances, and invading organisms that can cause infections. The skin efficiently helps regulate the body's temperature (like a thermostat in a house).
Since the temperature of the external environment is constantly changing, the skin must work constantly, in coordination with specialized areas of the brain, to keep the body's temperature within a narrow set range. The skin is tough enough to protect you from the harsh environment, helps coordinate a complex immune regulation of the skin and body, and provides one of our most delicate functions - the sensation of touch.
The skin is also a selective barrier, preventing toxic substances from entering, while permitting the absorption of certain lubricating oils and medications that can help prevent certain diseases (heart attacks and motion sickness), help people avoid smoking and pregnancy, and facilitate hormone replacement. The skin is clearly a dynamic, versatile, and important organ. To find out more, you can check out I Have Psoriasis.