Psoriasis, commonly known as scaly tetter, is characterized by red papules or patches with distinct borders accompanied by silvery-white exfoliation. It often occurs at the extension of the body, i.e. the head, elbow, knee, lumbosacral bone and other parts. It is a chronic skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation. The illness can also encroach on nails, showing signs of depression, discoloration, roughness, thickening, loosening or brittle cracking. Some patients may have psoriatic arthritis, with pain and stiffness in the peripheral or axial joints, and later deformity of the joints may affect movement.

Factors that may induce or aggravate the disease include:

• Emotional stress or life pressure, excessive physical and mental fatigue, staying up late or abnormal work and rest
• Excessive drinking
• Infection (cold)
• Trauma or scratching
• Certain drugs, such as lithium, antimalarials, oral steroids and some antihypertensive drugs
• Tonic foods, such as: ginger duck soup, wine cooked chicken soup, and sesame oil chicken soup

Although the course of the disease is chronic, the disease has the tendency of ups and downs, but if well treated, it can still be controlled satisfactorily and patients can lead the same life as normal people. Conversely, if the patient does not cooperate well with the treatment, the disease often aggravates, worsening into erythrodermic psoriasis, or pustular psoriasis, which can even endanger life.

Therapy

• Apply topical steroid or steroid and vitamin D ointment thinly to the affected area.
• An occlusive dressing can also be used in the thicker patches, that is, after applying ointment at night, cover plastic wrap, then tear off the film the next morning to increase the curative effect.
• If your head has thick dandruff, you can use medicinal shampoo to wash your hair. Gently massage your head with the finger pulps for 15 minutes, then rinse it off for better effects. You can use it every other day.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation treatment: When radiating, you should wear goggles to protect your eyes. The interval between the two treatments should be at least 24 hours. The radiation time should not be adjusted without the doctor’s permission. If there is any discomfort, such as blisters or erythema on the skin, inform the medical staff immediately for treatment.
• Methotrexate (MTX), A acid, cyclosporine and other medicines for internal use: regular follow-up and blood sampling should be carried out in the outpatient clinic in accordance with the doctor's instructions. If you have any discomfort, please go to the hospital as soon as possible.
• Don't be anxious in the treatment of psoriasis. Don't misuse specific medicine, which backfires when it causes pustular psoriasis.