According to the National Institutes of Health, the inflammatory skin condition known as chronic psoriasis (PsO) commonly shows up as flare-ups lasting many weeks or months prior to going in remission. An estimated 8 million Americans suffer from psoriasis; most cases of this particular kind are classified as plaque psoriasis. The immune system urges the body to overproduce skin cells while misidentifying healthy skin as an adversary; this results in plaques, thick, raised, red or darker areas covered with silvery scales. The condition affects many bodily parts.
For psoriasis, over-the-counter drugs, prescription topical treatments, and light therapy are all reasonable options. For people with moderate to severe PsO, an additional option is systemic, whole body treatment. Amy Huang, M.D., a dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City takes a look at how systemic treatments work and how to know whether they’re a fit for your psoriasis management. Read the article.