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12-30-02
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Oral medications may help psoriasis patients
keep the disease under control.
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Psoriasis: More Than Skin
Deep
(NAPSA)-If you are one of the millions of people in
the United States who suffer from psoriasis and are tired of sticky or
greasy creams that ruin clothes and often don't work, there is hope. More
and more doctors are now prescribing oral medications in an effort to
help their patients get faster and longer-lasting control over this difficult
disease.
Psoriasis can be very frustrating for people of all
ages, genders, and races, and can greatly affect your lifestyle, emotional
well-being, social life and ability to work. By taking these simple steps,
you can help yourself take control of your psoriasis:
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist.
More than four million people with psoriasis don't see a doctor regularly
for treatment of their condition. Many give up hope if the medication
they try doesn't work. Now doctors are increasing their use of system
treatments for the disease, such as light therapy and oral medications
(systemics). These approaches often have better results than topical
treatments (creams), generally used to treat milder forms of the disease,
although systemics may have more side effects. If you have moderate
to severe psoriasis, now is the time to seek help from your doctor.
- Ask your dermatologist about different treatment
options. There probably are treatment options you have not tried.
New research shows that earlier and ongoing use of a wider variety of
therapies, such as oral medication, is often more successful in controlling
severe psoriasis than creams. Some currently available oral medications
provide effective treatment without the risk of suppressing your immune
system and therefore are safer for people who have an infection, or
are at risk for infection, although they may have other side effects.
- Get more information. There are resources
available to help psoriasis sufferers navigate the sometimes-confusing
waters of diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide support and inspiration
in continuing therapy over time. One such resource, known as Psoria-SenseSM,
is an American Academy of Dermatology award-winning education program
for psoriasis patients sponsored by Roche. It provides thoughtful advice
and suggestions on symptom relief and improving quality of life, as
well as educational materials and special patient offers. To enroll
free of charge in the Psoria-Sense Patient Education program, visit
www.psoria-sense.com.
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