Is psoriasis seen in children?
Yes. It may appear in childhood.

How to recognize active psoriasis?
Active psoriasis is recognized based on following features--

1. Appearance of many new lesions.
2. Presence of pus filled vesicles.
3. Appearance of new lesions at the site of any trauma or irritation.
4. Extensive redness in the affected area.

What is the treatment?
Psoriasis is widely believed to be incurable. However it can be controlled & heals with prolonged remissions. Many drugs are available for the management of psoriasis. These are coal tar preparations, Retinoids, Dithranol, Methotrexate. However these are to be taken under medical supervision only.

What is PUVA therapy?
PUVA stands for psoralen & Ultraviolet A. Psoralen are a group of plant derived chemicals that sensitize the skin to ultraviolet radiation. It has shown impressive results in patients of psoriasis. It requires regular,specialist supervision.

What factors can worsen psoriasis?

• Trauma -- of any kind, it could be mechanical or even chemical.
• Sunlight -- in some individuals sunlight does worsen psoriasis.
• Infection -- Infection with Beta- hemolytic streptococci (which cause throat infection) has been shown to precipitate psoriasis
• Drugs -- Chloroquine, many analgesics are known to worsen psoriasis. Hence do not take any analgesics without medical advice.
• Anxiety

What are the non pharmacological measures for management of psoriasis?

• Correction of overweight.
• Avoiding application of any irritating agents. Hence use of strong soaps & detergents should be avoided.
• Avoiding any trauma to the skin. Even scratches can induce local lesions.
• Avoiding alcoholic drinks.
• Avoiding the precipitating factors.

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