Contact Dr. Arun K. Prasad
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arun K. Prasad, Dermatologist, Nova Laser Clinic, Calcutta, call 91 33 2476 5600 or
91 33 2454 3259.
You can also e-mail arunkprasad@novalaser.org
Our goal is to make you look good and feel great with perfect skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis
What is psoriasis?
The term psoriasis comes from the Greek word psora, which means, “to itch”. However only 50% psoriasis patients have
itching. Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting), non-contagious skin disease, usually presenting with red patches covered
with silvery scales. Its incidence is about 2%. Approximately 10 – 30% of psoriasis sufferers also experience inflammation
of the joints called psoriatic arthritis.
Are there different types of psoriasis?
Psoriasis may affect different parts of the body and also look different in different areas.
- Discoid or plaque psoriasis - Silvery, scaly areas are seen usually on the elbows,
knees, scalp and trunk.
- Nail psoriasis - There is loosening, lifting,
discoloration and thickening of the nails.
- Scalp psoriasis - There may be dandruff-like scales or thick scabs on the scalp.
These may be the first sign of psoriasis in the patient.
- Guttate psoriasis - This usually occurs in children after a streptococcal sore throat.
Small pink areas of scaling, resembling raindrops, are seen on the trunk.
- Flexural or inverse psoriasis - This type of psoriasis appears as glazed red patches
without scaling in the armpits and groins and under the breasts.
- Napkin psoriasis - This appears as glazed red patches in the napkin area in babies.
- Generalised pustular psoriasis - At first there is reddening of the skin all over the
body. Then small pustules appear on the skin. Soon there are lakes of pus under the skin. The patient has high fever and a
rapid pulse. He / she needs quick hospitalization, as the condition is life- threatening.
- Generalised erythrodermic psoriasis - There is redness and scaling all over the body with
accompanying fever and lymph-node enlargement. Like generalized pustular psoriasis, this condition is also life-threatening
and the patient needs immediate hospitalisation.
- Palmoplantar pustulosis - There are deep-seated pustules and dark red crusts on the palms
and soles.
- Psoriatic arthritis - The joints of the fingers, toes, spine and hips are affected.
What is the cause of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into
action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid
turnover of skin cells.
Some people carry genes, which make them more prone to develop psoriasis. Those who already have psoriasis in the family
carry these genes on chromosome 6, others on chromosome 8.
The following can also trigger off psoriasis : –
- Emotional stress
- Injury to the skin
- Streptococcal throat infection
- Drugs e.g. anti-malarials like chloroquine and mefloquine, blood pressure lowering agents like beta-blockers, calcium
channel blockers and captopril, painkillers like aspirin, cholesterol lowering agents like gemfibrozil, psychiatric
medicines like lithium, systemic steroids and alcohol intake
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
There is as yet no cure for psoriasis but with the various available treatment options, it is possible to clear psoriasis
for periods of time. With the development of biologic treatments, a cure may be round the corner.
How effective is ultraviolet light therapy?
Ultraviolet light or UV light is used for more extensive skin involvement. This form of treatment is very successful and
safer to use than many of the oral medications.
What is narrow-band UVB phototherapy?
Narrow-band UVB phototherapy is a relatively new technology for treating psoriasis.
Dr. Prasad uses Narrow-band UVB equipment from world-leaders Waldmann, Germany to treat psoriasis at Nova Laser Clinic,
Calcutta.
Can narrow band ultraviolet B be used to treat other skin diseases?
Apart from psoriasis, narrow band UVB is being used to treat
vitiligo, atopic eczema,
lichen planus,
alopecia areata,
persistent itching, pityriasis lichenoides and many other not so common skin diseases.
What are the advantages of narrow band UVB over PUVA (psoralen + UVA)?
Oral psoralen cannot be given to children and pregnant ladies. It also needs to be withdrawn if there are troublesome
side-effects like nausea and vertigo. If oral psoralen is given, the patient needs sun-protection for the eyes for the next
24 hours. Narrow band UVB works well in most patients without psoralen. Therefore the problems linked to psoralen usage are
not there with narrow band UVB. In addition exposure times are shorter and frequency (number of sessions per week) is also
lower with narrow band UVB. NBUVB is today considered to be more effective in clearing the disease too.
Are there risks with the pills used for psoriasis?
Most of the pills that are used to treat psoriasis carry risks. These risks mostly involve either the liver or the kidney.
Monitored correctly, the risk can be well controlled and the medications often allow for significant improvement. Should
treatment with these medications be necessary, Dr. Prasad will be happy to discuss their risks and benefits with you in
detail.
At Nova Laser Clinic, Kolkata, we have Narrow-band UVB phototherapy equipment from Waldmann, Germany. Our dermatologist,
Dr. Arun K. Prasad, will evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan specific for your psoriasis.
Links For More Information On Psoriasis
www.psoriasis.org
www.psoriasisconnect.com
www.drhull.com
www.bestdoctors.com
www.waldmann-medizintechnik.com
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