Psoriasis appears as salmon red and scaly patches. Typically, it occurs at the scalp, hairline, elbows, knees and the lower back. There can also be joint pain with swelling on the fingers, knees and ankles in many patients.
A special combination topical therapy is the current preferred treatment these days as it enables a quicker, more complete response with minimal or no local irritation to the skin. Separate scalp solution is often prescribed for treating psoriasis on the scalp.
Phototherapy is useful for the patient with more extensive rashes and for the patient who does not respond well to topical treatment. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to slow down the division of cells in the skin and is usually carried out 2 to 3 times a week. When the skin is clear of psoriasis, treatment is maintained and given less frequently.
Oral medications are usually reserved for patients with more severe disease and for patients who do not respond well to topical treatment and phototherapy. Drugs like Methotrexate, Cyclosporin A and Acitretin are very effective in the control of psoriasis; however, all these drugs have potential side effects. Blood tests need to be done regularly to monitor the drug effect on blood count, kidney and liver function.
This is a new class of drugs that come from psoriasis research. They are given as injections and they are very effective in controlling psoriasis. Their main advantage is the absence of organ damage to the kidney, liver and the ease and convenience of receiving the treatment. The main disadvantage is that the treatment is costly. All pros and cons will be discussed with you before your Dermatologist Dr Wong starts with your Biologic injection treatment.
The cause of psoriasis is partly genetic and partly environmental. Very often, there is a positive family history in a patient with psoriasis. There is an increased risk of the children getting psoriasis if the parents or one of the parents has psoriasis. Environmental factors like physical or chemical injury to the skin, throat infection, reaction to certain drugs, hormonal changes, climate factors, mental and emotional stress can contribute to the onset and continuation of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an incurable disease. Most patients will have psoriasis for life and only a very small proportion of patients go into remission completely.
Psoriasis is neither infectious or contagious. It cannot be passed on to other people.
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Camden Medical Centre
#10-01, 1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9.00am-5.00pm;
Thurs, Sat: 9.00am-12.30pm;
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Dr Wong connects well with his patients & he is a specialist with over 30 years of experience.
Our specialist listens & explains well to his patients on their skin issues and their queries.
We offer carefully curated FDA & HSA-approved treatments that give effective results.
Full financial counselling & adherence to MOH guidelines on the surgical fee.