Dermatology
Dermatology deals with diseases of the skin. One of the most common
forms of skin disorders is psoriasis. Phototherapy is a treatment
for psoriasis, available at Holzer Clinic.
Psoriasis Information
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder.
Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, is characterized by dry,
inflamed lesions topped with silvery white scales. In contrast,
pustular psoriasis, one of the rare forms, is characterized
by inflamed blister-like lesions filled with non-infectious
fluid.
What Causes Psoriasis?
No one knows what causes the skin's
accelerated growth, and there is no cure for the disorder. Psoriasis
can be controlled with a variety of treatment options.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Psoriasis affects millions of men,
women, and children of all ages and race. All parts of the
body can be affected. About 150,000 to 200,000 new cases
are diagnosed yearly.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
No
Is Anyone Ever Safe From Psoriasis?
It is not possible to predict who
will get psoriasis. Heredity plays a role, but the mode
of inheritance is not clear. Environmental factors, such
as physical trauma to the skin, infections, and stress can
trigger the onset of psoriasis, even in people without an apparent
family history of psoriasis.
I Think I have Psoriasis, What Should I
Do?
See a doctor. Diagnosis is made entirely by
a physician's observation of the skin, supported by study of psoriatic plaque
cells under a microscope. There is no medical test for psoriasis.
Phototherapy Information
What is Phototherapy?
The use of Ultra Violet Light (UVL) to clear
skin diseases, especially Psoriasis.
Two
Types of Ultra Violet Light:
