Guide To The Conditions Prednisone Treats

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that accelerates the typical life cycle of skin cells. This acceleration causes the cells to rapidly accumulate on the skin's surface, and this can create scales and red patches that may be itchy and painful. The skin could become so dry that it cracks and bleeds, and patients might notice their nails are thickened, pitted, or ridged. The joints could become stiff and swollen. Doctors are often able to diagnose psoriasis with a health history and a physical examination. A skin biopsy may be useful in determining the specific type of psoriasis the patient has, and it could also be used to rule out other conditions. Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for mild to moderate psoriasis, and patients might need to use vitamin D analogs to slow down the growth of skin cells. Calcineurin inhibitors could be recommended to reduce both inflammation and scaling, and anthralin helps remove scales and smooth the skin. Light therapy sessions may be considered for certain patients, and patients with severe psoriasis typically need to take oral medications or injections to manage their symptoms. Methotrexate and cyclosporine can be taken orally, and patients may benefit from the use of injectable biologics such as etanercept or adalimumab. An oral biologic medication called apremilast might be recommended too.

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