Psoriasis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) - Softcover

Langley, Dr Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554070937 ISBN 13: 9781554070930

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2005

Synopsis

Helpful advice for relief of a chronic condition that affects millions.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease. Characterized by itchy, thick and raised red areas of skin covered with silvery-white scales, psoriasis affects 1 in 50 adults. This affliction makes it one of the world's most common skin disorders. Appearing at any age, it can affect relationships, the ability to work and to enjoy leisure activities.

Psoriasis is a straightforward book about an all too common problem. The information is presented in clear, understandable terms for non-medical readers, covering:

• Causes
• Psychosocial effects
• Diagnosis
• Treatment options
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Psoriasis in children.

Psoriasis includes line drawings, case studies, a comprehensive resource list and a glossary.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Richard Langley is assistant professor of dermatology and director of research at Dalhousie University. An international expert on psoriasis and skin cancer, he has co-authored ten books and many articles and abstracts.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Psoriasis, originating from the Greek word psora (meaning "to itch"), is a chronic, incurable, non-contagious skin disease. For centuries, psoriasis was confused with leprosy. Because of the failure to differentiate between these diseases, people with psoriasis could experience humiliation and abandonment by their family and community.

In the 19th century, Drs. Hebra and Kaposi, realized leprosy was different from psoriasis and helped classify the latter as a distinct medical disease. Since then, scientists have been trying to find the root cause of the disease, effective and safe treatments, and, most importantly, a cure.

Affecting approximately 1 to 3 percent of the population, psoriasis is one of the most common skin disorders. It can appear at any age and is one of the most common reasons for office visits to dermatologists.

A dermatologist is a doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases after completing medical school. Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair and nails such as psoriasis. Many psoriasis patients are either unsatisfied or frustrated with their treatments given that psoriasis is currently an incurable disease that can return after treatment. It is hoped that this book will provide some help and guidance to these patients, and outline some of the promising new treatments for psoriasis.

In the past decade, scientists have gained a better understanding of the disease process of psoriasis. As such, new specific, rational therapies have been and are being developed, and there is reason for great hope that these therapies will effectively treat patients. We and others have participated in international clinical research trials that have studied new, safe, highly targeted and effective therapies that are providing new choices for patients in the management of this disease. These therapeutic agents are now finding their way into the clinic and to patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

This guide will help educate you, your family and others about psoriasis. In addition, you will gain greater insight into and understanding of the nature of the disease, its potential treatments, and their benefits and risks. Ultimately, this information will enable those affected to effectively deal with their disease and thereby attain a better quality of life.

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1554070937
• ISBN 13: 9781554070930
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200