Emotional response to the persistence and cosmetically disfiguring effects can be severe. Psoriasis can occur in either sex at any age, but is most often seen in persons 15 to 35 years of age. It affects about 2 per cent of white adults and is less common in blacks and Asians. Recent research has established that it is an immune-mediated disorder. Certain drugs are known to exacerbate psoriasis.
Early attacks respond well to treatment, only to reappear within weeks or months.
Complete and permanent remission is rare. Recommended topical agents include moisturizers, keratolytics, coal tar, anthralin, steroids, and vitamin D derivatives. Exposure to the sun or artificial ultraviolet light can be helpful. The folic acid antagonist methotrexate controls psoriasis by inhibiting cell reproduction. Methotrexate, retinoids, and PUVA have potentially serious side effects and are therefore usually given only to those patients with severe psoriasis that is not controlled by other forms of treatment.