 Main Menu |
| Home |
 What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is grey or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath. It affects 2 percent of the population in the UK. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, navel, palms, ears and groin... |
What are the Causes?
What are the causes of Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a condition which runs in families, but the exact way in which the disease moves from generation to generation has not yet been established. Although the tendency to contract psoriasis is stored in a person's... |
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasisAbout 80% of those who have psoriasis have this form. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, although it... |
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a painful disease characterized by both joint erosion and skin lesions. It causes inflammation in and around the joints and affects an estimated one million adults. People with psoriatic arthritis experience progressive joint... |
Treatments
Treatment of psoriasis can be divided into three basic categories: Topical treatment (treatments applied to the skin)Phototherapy or a combination of phototherapy and medications Systemic treatment (medications taken by tablet or injection)A... |
Light
Patients with psoriasis that does not respond to or is too widespread for topical treatments are candidates for phototherapy. This involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of UV light, which has a therapeutic benefit in psoriasis. Different forms... |
UVB Light Treatment
UVB Treatment Why ultra violet light can be useful Psoriasis sufferers may benefit from exposure to UVB light, one of the forms of ultra violet light that comes from the sun. There are 3 forms: UVA, UVB and UVC. Short wavelength UVC is absorbed by the... |
GRENZBUCKY RAY THERAPY
GrenzlBucky rays are a form of very mild radiation with low penetration power: half of the rays are absorbed in the first half millimeter of the skin. It is used to calm down inflammation of the skin and will not cause damage as seen with... |
LASER THERAPY
The excimer laser is usually for mild to moderate levels of disease where lesions cover less that 10 per cent of the body. Pulsed dye lasers are also primarily used to treat small, localized areas of psoriasis. Instead of one continuous beam... |
THE GOECKERMAN REGIMEN
Patients with severe or disabling psoriasis may go to hospital or psoriasis treatment centres for concentrated treatment with UVB and topical coal tar. This is known as the Goeckerman regimen and usually takes at least three or four weeks of daily treatment... |
PUVA
This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. It is also called "photochemotherapy." The drug psoralen makes the skin more sensitive and responsive to this particular light... |
CLIMATOTHERAPY (Dead Sea)
Climatotherapy Sunlight can have a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Climatotherapy has been used for many years in the Dead Sea, Israel, and the Canary Islands, Spain, with good results. DEAD SEA ALTERNATIVE History Two thousand... |
Systemic
Systemic medications are prescription medications that affect the entire body, and are usually reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who are not responsive to or eligible for conventional topical medications or ultraviolet (UV) light... |
CELLCEPT
Mycophenolate Mofetil/Cellcept – Roche Labs. What is it? Cellcept is a powerful immunosuppressant created initially for use in preventing the rejection of organ transplants. It works by blocking the action of a compound within the body which is... |
FUMARIC ACID ESTERS
Fumaric Acid Esters FAEs have been considered useful in the treatment of severe psoriasis in those who have had little success with other therapies for some time. It is only in the last decade or so that serious clinical research and studies have been... |
ACITRETIN
AcitretinWhat is it? Acitretin is a type of medicine called a ‘retinoid’ Retinoids have a structure similar to vitamin A and it is involved with the production and growth of skin cells How does it work? Acitretin works by inhibiting... |
BIOLOGICS
BiologicsAlefacept/Amevive Etanercept/Enbrel Efalizumab/Raptiva Infliximab/Remicade Humira/Adalimumab Until this year, all traditional therapies for psoriasis have depended on treating the ‘symptoms’ of the condition once they have shown themselves... |
HYDROXUREA
What is it? Hydro is a drug known as an 'antineoplastic'. The chemicals in it help stop the growth of abnormal tissue, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). It is most commonly used to treat leukaemia, but can also be used... |
METHOTREXATE
What is it? Methotrexate (MTX) is a folate acid antagonist. It basically blocks an essential step in DNA synthesis and causes a reduction in cell reproductive abilities. This is why it is commonly used alongside other drugs in cancer treatment... |
CYCLOSPORIN
What is it? Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressant drug developed for the prevention of organ rejection after transplant. It is actually made from a fungus and interferes with the T-cells within the immune system (many research doctors now believe... |
Topical (Steroid)
Corticosteroids, which are ordinarily called "steroids" by doctors and patients, are the most frequently used treatment for psoriasis. Topical steroid medications are easy to use, often work quickly and can be very effective in controlling mild... |
BETTAMOUSSE. Medeva Pharma Limited
BETTAMOUSSE. Medeva Pharma LimitedBettamousse, as the name suggests is a mousse formulation, so that you can deliver a 'blob of foam' to the area of your scalp you want to treat Bettamousse is a steroid product, and is obtainable from your doctor on prescription... |
DOVOBET
DOVOBET What is it? Dovobet is a topical ointment for plaque psoriasis. It is a stable combination of calcipotriol (as in Dovonex) and betamethasone dipropionate (a potent corticosteroid). It is available in 60gm and 120gm tubes and is manufactured... |
Topical
Topical treatments - agents applied to the skin - are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. Researchers believe psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to grow too rapidly, creating dry, red, scaly... |
ZORAC (Tazarotene) Bioglan Limited
ZORAC (Tazarotene) Bioglan LimitedZorac is the latest topical preparation to come onto the market and the first Vitamin A derivative for mild to moderate psoriasis. It is in two strengths. 0.05% and 0.1 % and on prescription only. ... |
VITAMIN D ANALOGUES
Vitamin D analoguesThe introduction of calcipotriol in the early 90s has provided an alternative to topical steroids, tars and dithranol. Calcipotriol has shown equal or superior efficacy to other agents and is cosmetically more acceptable and generally... |
Retinoids - topical
Retinoids - topical Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are the most recent developments for the topical treatment of psoriasis. Tazorotene is a retinoid used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, which can be used on most parts of the body, including... |
Coal tars
Coal Tars Topical coal tars have helped treat psoriasis for centuries and can be used by themselves or combined with UVB. By making the skin more sensitive to UV light, coal tar can cause a greater sensitivity to burning when combined with UV therapy. ... |
DITHRANOL
Dithranol (also known as anthralin in certain parts of the world) Dithranol can be effective for mild to moderate psoriasis and is often used with ultraviolet B (UVB) treatments for more severe psoriasis. Dithranol Ointment BP in yellow... |
EXOREX LOTION (Pharmax)
This lotion which originally came into this country as a herbal over-the-counter product, has recently become available on prescription It contains some Coal Tar and has fatty acids similar to those found in banana skin. There are other products under... |
Comprehensive list of Topical Medicines
A list of topical medicines prescribed by GPs and dermatologists for psoriasis (all types). The prescribing physician will inform you, the patient, of application amounts and the duration of your treatment. If you have any questions about your treatment... |
TOPICAL MEDICINES
Topical MedicinesListed below are the topical medicines prescribed by GPs and dermatologists for psoriasis (all types). The prescribing physician will inform you, the patient, of application amounts and the duration of your treatment. If you have... |
| Members Blogs |
The Forum
Using the Forum To use the full functionality of the forum you will need to register. When you register please provide a valid email address as you will not be able to use all the fucntions of the forum if you don't. Your email address will... |
Psoriasis Pictures
Click on the Thumbnails to see more pictures Pictures of Guttate Pictures of Plaque Pictures of Flexural Pictures of Generalised Pustular Pictures of Hands & Nails ... |
Psoriasis Resources
A selection of links that are all related to the Psoriasis... |
Feeling low? - Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through.... |
NHS - Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a dry, scaly skin condition in which skin cells are reproduced too quickly. It affects approximately 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops between 11 and 45 years old, often at puberty.... |
Studenthealth - health advice for students and young people.
Provides information about issues including nutrition, sex, men's and women's health.
... |
Dave Psoriasis Info
This Web site began as a private listing of various psoriasis treatments I found on the Web through search engines. That small personal project has grown into this site, which contains some general information, and a whole lot of links to information... |
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin.... |
Psoriasis & Genetics
Genes hold the key to understanding how the immune system becomes activated in people who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. When a specific gene is found to be linked to psoriasis, researchers work to determine what the gene does under "normal"... |
Latest Psoriasis News
What's in the news? New developments, treatments and studies... |
My Skin?s on Fire - Living with Psoriasis
My Skin?s on Fire - Living with Psoriasis is a digital film produced under the auspices of the Psoriasis Video Project. The project was started to utilize digital video technology in the healthcare field. Our first film, My Skin?s On Fire, is focused... |
Psoriasis and Skin Diseases Self Help
Psoriasis support and self help are the focus of this noncommercial site. Shortcuts to search all the past messages in the skin-diseases newsgroups and other research databases are collected here. Everyone is welcome to contribute to our open forums.... |
British Homeopathic Association
The website of the British Homeopathic Association and Faculty of Homeopathy. The information on this site aims to be accurate, reliable and evidence-based.... |
Over The Counter Treatments
Some over the counter treatments that can be used to help treat psoriasis... |
Global News Group
Discussing the skin-disease psoriasis.... |
Flake HQ
About 50% of the content of this site is written by visitors as e-mail to Ed Dewke. Ed and his correspondents are psoriatics or friends and family of psoriatics. While psoriasis is not to be taken lightly, finding humor and compassion in the psoria... |
Health - Psoriasis > BBC Best Link
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin cells replace themselves too quickly. There are many different types of psoriasis, but the most common is chronic plaque psoriasis.
... |
DMOZ open directory project: "Psoriasis"
Sites listed here will represent support networks with a physical address and/or a web presence.... |
Skin Care Campaign
Fighting Skin Disease
The Skin Care Campaign (SCC) is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of all people with skin diseases in the UK. Established in 1992, it is a subsidiary of the National Eczema Society, a registered charity.
... |
Psoriasis.org (USA)
The National Psoriasis Foundation is a patient-driven nonprofit organization that is the voice for the 5 million people affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to improve lives through education, advocacy and research.... |
| FAQs |
| Psoriasis in the News |
| Contact Us |
Contacts
Contact Details for this website... |
PHO_Contact (Web Site Owner)
PHO_Contact:, , , United Kingdom.This contact form should not be used to ask questions related to psoriasis.
Please use The Forum (see menu link on left) to ask questions about Psoriasis that you would like answered, express views that you have regarding... |
Site News
The latest news from the PHO Team... |
PHO Involved in Times News Supplement
PHO were involved in a recent Times newspaper supplement related to Psoraiasis If you were unable to get hold of a copy of the World Psoriasis Day Psoriasis Supplement in the Times newspaper, 29/10/07, please download it from this link. http://psoriasis-help... |
Welcome to the new Psoriasis Help Organisation Web Site.
Welcome to the new Psoriasis Help Organisation Web Site. The site has been revamped to enable us to offer additional functionality to our members and all psoriasis sufferers. We have recently moved away from Yabb to SMF for the forum software which... |
| Search |
| Recent Articles |
The Psoriasis Help Organisation (PHO) Web Site
Welcome to the Psoriasis Help Organisation, otherwise know as PHO. This is a web site dedicated to helping people suffering from the Chronic Skin Disease Psoriasis. This site contains information about Treatments, Handy Tips for living with... |
UVB Light Treatment
UVB Treatment Why ultra violet light can be useful Psoriasis sufferers may benefit from exposure to UVB light, one of the forms of ultra violet light that comes from the sun. There are 3 forms: UVA, UVB and UVC. Short wavelength UVC is absorbed by the... |
GRENZBUCKY RAY THERAPY
GrenzlBucky rays are a form of very mild radiation with low penetration power: half of the rays are absorbed in the first half millimeter of the skin. It is used to calm down inflammation of the skin and will not cause damage as seen with... |
LASER THERAPY
The excimer laser is usually for mild to moderate levels of disease where lesions cover less that 10 per cent of the body. Pulsed dye lasers are also primarily used to treat small, localized areas of psoriasis. Instead of one continuous beam... |
THE GOECKERMAN REGIMEN
Patients with severe or disabling psoriasis may go to hospital or psoriasis treatment centres for concentrated treatment with UVB and topical coal tar. This is known as the Goeckerman regimen and usually takes at least three or four weeks of daily treatment... |
PUVA
This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. It is also called "photochemotherapy." The drug psoralen makes the skin more sensitive and responsive to this particular light... |
CLIMATOTHERAPY (Dead Sea)
Climatotherapy Sunlight can have a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Climatotherapy has been used for many years in the Dead Sea, Israel, and the Canary Islands, Spain, with good results. DEAD SEA ALTERNATIVE History Two thousand... |
CELLCEPT
Mycophenolate Mofetil/Cellcept – Roche Labs. What is it? Cellcept is a powerful immunosuppressant created initially for use in preventing the rejection of organ transplants. It works by blocking the action of a compound within the body which is... |
FUMARIC ACID ESTERS
Fumaric Acid Esters FAEs have been considered useful in the treatment of severe psoriasis in those who have had little success with other therapies for some time. It is only in the last decade or so that serious clinical research and studies have been... |
ACITRETIN
AcitretinWhat is it? Acitretin is a type of medicine called a ‘retinoid’ Retinoids have a structure similar to vitamin A and it is involved with the production and growth of skin cells How does it work? Acitretin works by inhibiting... |
BIOLOGICS
BiologicsAlefacept/Amevive Etanercept/Enbrel Efalizumab/Raptiva Infliximab/Remicade Humira/Adalimumab Until this year, all traditional therapies for psoriasis have depended on treating the ‘symptoms’ of the condition once they have shown themselves... |
HYDROXUREA
What is it? Hydro is a drug known as an 'antineoplastic'. The chemicals in it help stop the growth of abnormal tissue, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). It is most commonly used to treat leukaemia, but can also be used... |
METHOTREXATE
What is it? Methotrexate (MTX) is a folate acid antagonist. It basically blocks an essential step in DNA synthesis and causes a reduction in cell reproductive abilities. This is why it is commonly used alongside other drugs in cancer treatment... |
CYCLOSPORIN
What is it? Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressant drug developed for the prevention of organ rejection after transplant. It is actually made from a fungus and interferes with the T-cells within the immune system (many research doctors now believe... |
BETTAMOUSSE. Medeva Pharma Limited
BETTAMOUSSE. Medeva Pharma LimitedBettamousse, as the name suggests is a mousse formulation, so that you can deliver a 'blob of foam' to the area of your scalp you want to treat Bettamousse is a steroid product, and is obtainable from your doctor on prescription... |
DOVOBET
DOVOBET What is it? Dovobet is a topical ointment for plaque psoriasis. It is a stable combination of calcipotriol (as in Dovonex) and betamethasone dipropionate (a potent corticosteroid). It is available in 60gm and 120gm tubes and is manufactured... |
ZORAC (Tazarotene) Bioglan Limited
ZORAC (Tazarotene) Bioglan LimitedZorac is the latest topical preparation to come onto the market and the first Vitamin A derivative for mild to moderate psoriasis. It is in two strengths. 0.05% and 0.1 % and on prescription only. ... |
VITAMIN D ANALOGUES
Vitamin D analoguesThe introduction of calcipotriol in the early 90s has provided an alternative to topical steroids, tars and dithranol. Calcipotriol has shown equal or superior efficacy to other agents and is cosmetically more acceptable and generally... |
Retinoids - topical
Retinoids - topical Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are the most recent developments for the topical treatment of psoriasis. Tazorotene is a retinoid used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, which can be used on most parts of the body, including... |
Coal tars
Coal Tars Topical coal tars have helped treat psoriasis for centuries and can be used by themselves or combined with UVB. By making the skin more sensitive to UV light, coal tar can cause a greater sensitivity to burning when combined with UV therapy. ... |
DITHRANOL
Dithranol (also known as anthralin in certain parts of the world) Dithranol can be effective for mild to moderate psoriasis and is often used with ultraviolet B (UVB) treatments for more severe psoriasis. Dithranol Ointment BP in yellow... |
EXOREX LOTION (Pharmax)
This lotion which originally came into this country as a herbal over-the-counter product, has recently become available on prescription It contains some Coal Tar and has fatty acids similar to those found in banana skin. There are other products under... |
TOPICAL MEDICINES
Topical MedicinesListed below are the topical medicines prescribed by GPs and dermatologists for psoriasis (all types). The prescribing physician will inform you, the patient, of application amounts and the duration of your treatment. If you have... |
PHO Involved in Times News Supplement
PHO were involved in a recent Times newspaper supplement related to Psoraiasis If you were unable to get hold of a copy of the World Psoriasis Day Psoriasis Supplement in the Times newspaper, 29/10/07, please download it from this link. http://psoriasis-help... |
Welcome to the new Psoriasis Help Organisation Web Site.
Welcome to the new Psoriasis Help Organisation Web Site. The site has been revamped to enable us to offer additional functionality to our members and all psoriasis sufferers. We have recently moved away from Yabb to SMF for the forum software which... |
Free Membership
This is a free from adverstising, not-for-profit, free membership site..... |
BBC TWO's Grow Your Own Drugs
BBC TWO's Grow Your Own Drugs is looking for people to take part in a new series and would love to hear from people who have psoriasis. If you would like to try a plant based remedy to help soothe your ailments please get in contact now. Please... |
Books on Psoriasis
Click on the link for a selection of books that you may find useful. These books cover many different approaches to psoriasis. Books Link PHO does not profit from these links ... |
Controversy over the origins of psoriasis
PSORIASIS Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that afflicts 1 in 50 people in the United Kingdom with patches of inflamed skin topped with silvery scales, has long perplexed scientists European researchers knocked out a few genes in lab mice and found... |
Help Raise Awareness
Help Raise AwarenessAcross the world some 125 million people up to 3% of the world's population have psoriasis, and they deserve a voice. Of the 125 million people, 28 million go on to develop psoriatic arthritis. Quality of life (QoL) research shows... |
Fast Facts
Fast Facts Psoriasis is a dry, scaly skin condition in which cells are produced too quickly. Normally skin cells take about 21 to 28 days to replace themselves, in psoriasis they take around 2 to 6 days It affects approximately 3% of people globally.... |
Member’s Experience of Enbrel.
Since Enbrel became licensed for use in psoriatic/rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland, we have seen a small increase in the amount of forums and with the possibility of Enbrel and Raptiva gaining a UK license this year, we believe a personal experience... |
| Site Map |
| Recommend a Friend |
Books
A collection of books covering the topic of Psoriasis... |
A Selection of Books
A selection of books available from Amazon.co.uk... |
Coping with Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin complaint which affects around two percent of the population. This self-help book tackles the practical questions that psoriasis sufferers are likely to ask. Covering everything from explaining the basic symptoms, overcoming the s... |
Psoriasis: A Patient's Guide
Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases affecting as many as 1 in 50 adults. In the past, sufferers have had to live with the knowledge that they could suffer an outbreak at any time. However, psoriasis treatments are changing and this upda... |
The Handbook of Psoriasis
A concise guide to the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Practical clinical information makes it an ideal quick reference for dermatologists, residents, and general practitioners.
... |
| Herbs for Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails |
How I Overcame Psoriasis
A handbook for psoriasis sufferers, ranging from those who want to and can pursue the self-healing process to the letter, to those who merely want to learn a bit more about the condition and perhaps try out one of two of the suggested methods for gai... |
Detox Yourself
The claims of this book are high: the Detox programme will increase your energy levels, boost your immune system, lose weight and even banish cellulite--and all in 30 days?... |
Psoriasis at Your Fingertips
"For those who may have just been diagnosed as having psoriasis, this book will explain much about the disease, its symptoms and treatments. It has medical remedies for keeping your skin in the best possible condition, as well as exploring the psycho... |
| Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative |
Arthritis, Rheumatism and Psoriasis
Synopsis
Arthritis, psoriasis and related rheumatic diseases are an enormous and growing problem throughout the world, with as many as 80 million people suffering from one or other of these conditions. In this title Jan de Vries shows how the probl... |
| Psoriasis:the Struggle and the Triumph |
| Coping with Psoriasis: A Patient's Guide to Treatment |
| Downloads |
Disclaimer
Terms of Use (Disclaimer)By using the www.psoriasis-help.org.uk web site ("PHO"), you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (the "Terms of Use"). PHO web pages are designed for educational purposes only... |
Donate
New Page 4
If you would like to donate to PHO then please click on the button below.
Please remember:
Donations are made via the PayPal system and are secure.
You do not have to have a PayPal account to use this service... |
| Other Menu |
 Administrator (Sites Admins Only) |
Since Enbrel became licensed for use in psoriatic/rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland, we have seen a small increase in the amount of