Dear Dr. SerVaas: I enjoy reading your medical reports in The Saturday Evening Post. Is there any news concerning psoriasis? Is this an inherited disease?
Eddie David
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Dear Reader: Researchers say that psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder. The common condition is characterized by frequent episodes of redness, itching, and thick, silvery scales on the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious.
Patients with chronic localized disease may find relief with a new laser treatment. Clinical studies of the Cynosure pulse dye laser show that 73 percent of patients experienced more than 70 percent clearance after six treatments. Remission of symptoms persisted an average of 14 months. The FDA-approved laser treatment eliminates small blood vessels that support the growth of psoriatic scales.
Some psoriasis sufferers also experience joint pain and nail abnormalities. New research shows that injections of a rheumatoid arthritis drug (Enbrel) may help those with psoriatic arthritis.
Clinical studies on psoriasis are under way in New York, Minnesota, and San Diego. Visit www.centerwatch.com for more information.
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