Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT April 2002 Congratulations! You have been
selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION
REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the
most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss
process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration
of your hair. In This Issue: THE HEARTBREAK OF PSORIASISWe're all familiar with the TV ads that talk about "the heartbreak of psoriasis" but many fortunate people simply don't realize just how prevalent and difficult this disease can be.Psoriasis Defined Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin disease that comes in different forms and varying levels of severity. Psoriasis is usually a mild condition, and there are many treatments available to help manage its symptoms. People who have been diagnosed with psoriasis are not alone-more than 7 million people in the United States have it. The National Psoriasis Foundation has gathered the information in this section to help educate people about these complex diseases, including their appearance, symptoms and medical and social effects. Psoriasis is a genetically determined disease occurring in 1 to 3% of the population. It is found equally in men and women worldwide. The origin of the disease is unknown, but it has been determined that it is genetically predisposed with 30% of those affected also having other family members with the disease. Psoriasis can be a chronic lifelong disease with symptoms coming and going. It is an epidermal proliferation disease. In other words it affects the epidermis, or the outer layers of the skin. It can present symptoms that include hyperplasia or tortuous capillaries. How to Recognize Psoriasis Psoriasis usually begins in early adult life but can occur at any age, and it has an unpredictable course. It may localize off and on yet may generalize with variable lesions of red, raised plaques surrounded by thick silver scales looking like mica. These may be removed, which may cause slight bleeding and oozing. Lesions are sharply demarcated (round to oval). Lesions can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly distributed on the elbows, knees, trunk and scalp. Sometimes these scales can enlarge to a certain size and remain stable for months or even years. There is nail involvement in 50% of the cases, causing small, pitted depressions. While some cases of psoriasis present symptoms of benign growths possible with increasing proliferation of the epidermis, it is not pre-cancerous. Treatment of Psoriasis There is no known cure and prescriptions offer only temporary relief. Unfortunately there are no blood tests available that allow physicians to identify psoriasis. Mild to moderate cases can be managed with topical prescriptions. Patients with psoriasis covering more than 20% of the body need specialized treatment programs. The goal in treating psoriasis is to decrease inflammation as suppression, not a cure. Methods of treatment can vary but typically include: 1. Topical steroid cream, ointment or tapes 2. Topical tars 3. UV light in conjunction with # 1 and 2 4. For widespread, severe cases, unresponsive to above treatments, other stronger drugs may be required Emotional Impact of Psoriasis Psoriasis for most patients is more emotionally than physically disabling, eroding self-image and forcing victims into a life of concealment and self-consciousness. The scalp is a frequent site for psoriasis and may be the only site affected. Scalp lesions are similar to skin lesions, except the scale is anchored to the hair, and the hair interferes with the application of medication. Hair can be lost but only temporarily since the hair root is not affected. To treat the scalp, the scale must first be removed to facilitate penetration of the medication. Tar shampoo treatments of 1 to 3% daily for one to three weeks help control itching and redness. Topical steroids can then be used and other ointments and creams. I wrote this article because I am often asked about this disease and thought I would take this opportunity to share the specifics. If you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms as described above, we urge you to seek immediate medical treatment from a Board Certified Dermatologist. In addition, I recommend you check out the National Psoriasis Foundation at http://www.psoriasis.org Thank you and my best to you all, Randall Sword, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give Us Your Feedback Is there a topic you would like Dr. Sword to talk about? Let us know. Dr. Sword established this report to help educate and inform YOU his patients! His passion is helping men and women to enjoy a fuller and more enriching life that comes with the confidence of having a full head of hair. Contact us at info@swordmedical.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ****** Want to know more about the many options available to you in hair restoration, hair maintenance and hair replacement? Contact the Sword Medical Center office nearest you 1-800-242-6900 or go to www.swordmedical.com ******* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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