Psoriasis:


    An autoimmune skin condition consisting of patches of inflammation within which the skin has an accelerated growth cycle causing it to thicken, scale, flake and redden. Psoriatic Arthropathy is a related disease in which the skin condition is coupled with joint inflammation. Until recently treatment was limited to anti-inflammatory drugs and immune suppressors.  These drugs were limited by their side effects and limited benefit. Pulsed Ultraviolet light and novel topical creams were also of limited benefit. Recently, powerful inhibitors of inflammatory proteins called Tumor necrosis Factors were studied and found to be quite effective. Some received FDA approval and others are still in trials. These are injectible drugs, are very expensive and may bring forth infections due to their potent immune modulator actions. Unlike Painful intramuscular injections or dangerous intravenous injections, these drugs are given subcutaneously. Injections are given into the fat layer under the skin, therefore, can be easily self administered.