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Psoriasis can be in the form of a mild infection, severe or chronic disease. It  can show up on the surface of the skin as raised red or silvery skin or flaky skin. It can be crippling as in Psoriatic arthritis inflaming joints and as well as mail and toenail changes.

Over history it has been feared and misunderstood disease wrongly diagnosed from leprosy to dandruff. It is only in the last few decades through scientific research that inroads have been made. It is partially a genetic disease passed down through the family, and partially triggered by ill health, stress, environmental causes such as UV light, toxins etc. What happens is that the immune system breakdown creating a reaction that surfaces as the symptoms mentioned before.

There are five types of Psoriasis each with their own severity and  form-

. Pustular Psoriasis

. Plaque Psoriasis

. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

. Guttate Psoriasis

. Inverse Psoriasis
Once properly diagnosed by your doctor. He will ask a number of questions to find the cause and condition how it is affecting you etc. Then before prescribing the treatment again a series of question have to be answered to evaluate the correct therapy.  e.g. It is no good suggesting Photo therapy if the patient has to travel a long distance to receive it.

The purpose of any treatment of this disease is containment and reduction of the infection giving the patient a better quality of life. It will not be totally cured and has the habit of returning should it be triggered by any of the causes it started with. So for any sufferer of this disease you need to be educated so that you can either change your lifestyle or avoid the cause that triggered the disease in the first place.

For more facts and a better understanding of Psoriasis click on the links below.

Tim Olden is a well known author of Skin Facts, for more information click on: http://www.psoriasis-facts-online.com/SkinFacts.html

Skin Facts http://www.psoriasis-facts-online.com/index.html

History http://www.psoriasis-facts-online.com/Treatment_Of_Psoriasis.html

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Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis affecting around 90% of all those suffering with this skin disease. Usually mild to moderate psoriasis can be treated effectively by topical medications, but in more stubborn or severe cases it needs something stronger and more effective. This is why oral retinoids are prescribed. Here we will discuss one of these oral retinoids, Soriatane.

What is Soriatane and who is it prescribed to?
Soriatane is an oral medication prescribed to treat severe cases of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, when other treatments have failed to work. Psoriasis is classed as severe when it affects more than 10% of your body or when it stops you from performing everyday activities.

Soriatane, also known as acitretin, is an oral retinoid, a synthetic form of Vitamin A. Doctors have long known that large doses of Vitamin A can help reduce the thickness and scaliness of the skin. However, large doses are very toxic to the body and can cause damage to the liver. Soriatane was developed to mimic the effects of Vitamin A without same levels toxicity. It works is by controlling the reproduction of skin cells, the speed at which the cells grow and shed, and by decreasing inflammation. Unlike some other psoriasis medications, Soriatane does not cause cell damage or suppress the immune system.

Clinical studies have shown that a large percentage of patients taking Soriatane significantly improved within eight weeks and about one third experienced almost complete remission from their symptoms within six months. This is why Soriatane is claimed an effective treatment for severe plaque psoriasis. However, it is important to note that taking Soriatane can cause risks for pregnant women.

Who shouldn’t take Soriatane?
In 1983 another retinoid, Accutane, was reported to cause birth defects in some babies born to women taking this drug. There also seemed to be a higher risk of miscarriage for pregnant women. It was, therefore, recommended that this and other closely related retinoids, including Soriatane, shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant within the next three years. In fact, women of childbearing age have to take two negative pregnancy tests before they can start taking Soriatane. They also have to agree to use two forms of contraception at the same time, at least a month before the start of treatment, during the treatment and for three years after completing the treatment. It’s advised not to take progestin-only contraceptive pills since they may not work while taking Soriatane.

It’s because taking Soriatane is highly dangerous for women who may become pregnant that this drug is mainly recommended for men, post-menopausal women or for women who have undergone sterilization or a hysterectomy.

Are there any other side effects of Soriatane?
Apart from possible risks to pregnant women, there have been other reported side effects. Common side effects include dry skin and lips; whilst less common are joint pain, abnormal bone growth, changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels and vision problems. Even more serious side effects reported are liver problems, pancreatitis and even cases of depression and thoughts of self harm. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek the advice of their physician.

Suffering with severe plaque psoriasis, or indeed any other form of psoriasis, can cause many problems both physically and mentally. The good news is that there is help available and you owe it to yourself to gain more information so that you can take effective action. To learn more about http://www.clearskinguide.info/Psoriasis-Cure/

plaque psoriasis and possible http://www.clearskinguide.info/Psoriasis-Cure/

psoriasis cures, visit my Clear Skin Guide website.

Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.

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