Psoriasis
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface.
Psoriasis affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the United States population, or almost 5.8 to 7 million people. It occurs in all age groups and about equally in men and women. People with psoriasis may suffer discomfort, restricted motion of joints, and emotional distress.
When psoriasis develops, patches of skin thicken, redden, and become covered with silvery scales. These patches are sometimes referred to as plaques. The areas of involvement frequently itch or burn, and the skin may crack. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. The disease also may affect the fingernails, toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia. About 10 percent of people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis is not contagious in any way. It is not possible to "catch" psoriasis by touching a person afflicted with it.
What causes psoriasis?
Research indicates that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The immune system includes a type of white blood cell, called a T cell that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Scientists now think that psoriasis is related to an abnormal immune system that deposits too many of the immune cells, called T cells, in the skin. These T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction. The rapidly dividing skin cells push their way to the surface of the skin where they form plaques.
In some cases, psoriasis is inherited. Researchers are studying large families affected by psoriasis to identify a gene or genes associated with the disease. (Genes govern every body function and determine inherited traits that are passed from parent to child.)
Are there treatments for Psoriasis?
There are a few OTC topical drugs for psoriasis with either coal tar or salicylic acid as active ingredients, but these are relatively ineffective. There are many topical prescription drugs for psoriasis, including topical corticosteroids, and vitamin D analogues. While helpful, the corticosteroids typically can't be used long-term because of side effects, and their effectiveness is temporary. There are newer "biologics" which are injectable recombinant protein-based drugs that act specifically to inhibit various immune cell functioning. One of the primary targets of the "biologics" is an inflammatory cytokine ( a type of hormone) called TNF-α. While effective, these types of therapies require frequent injections, have been shown to reduce the immune system, and are expensive.
Therametics has developed a topical formulation that contains 2% salicylic acid, the OTC approved drug for psoriasis as well as Therosol and a related compound, Therosol-C. This product is unique because Therametics scientists have developed a method for solubilizing the salicylic acid directly into a gentle, moisturizing silicone based serum, which glides on the skin. And unlike typical emulsifier-based lotions which can irritate the skin, this silicone based product does not damage the skin's surface or cause any discomfort. The presence of Therosol in the product calms and soothes the skin, and helps the skin repair itself.
To view the results of clinical studies Therametics has conducted on its psoriasis treatment serum click here.