Psoriasis

Encyclopedia of Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Maureen Haggerty

Most cases of psoriasis can be controlled, and most people who have psoriasis can live normal lives.

Some people who have psoriasis are so self-conscious and embarrassed about their appearance that they become depressed and withdrawn. The Social Security Administration grants disability benefits to about 400 psoriasis patients each year, and a comparable number die from complications of the disease.

A doctor should be notified if:

• Psoriasis symptoms appear or reappear after treatment
• Pustules erupt on the skin and the patient experiences fatigue, muscle aches, and fever
• Unfamiliar, unexplained symptoms appear.

• Books
• Gottlieb, Bill, ed. New Choices in Natural Healing. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 1995.
• The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, Inc., 1995. Organizations
• American Academy of Dermatology. P.O. Box 681069, Schaumburg, IL 60618-4014. (703) 330-0230. http://www.aad.org/.
• American Skin Association, Inc. 150 E. 58th Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10155-0002. (212) 688-6547.
• National Psoriasis Foundation. 6600 S.W. 92nd Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97223. (800) 723-9166. http://www.psoriasis.org.