Psoriasis is an auto immune disease caused when the body’s immune system that is designed to protect you from infection goes awry. Treatments are performed by Dr. DeEtta Gray for patients from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Seattle and throughout the Northwest.
What causes it?
It is an age-old problem that affects 2-3% of the world’s population. Of those affected, as many as 25% can develop associated arthritis. Psoriasis can begin at age 1 or age 100. It It is partially related to genetics and partially related to external factors or “triggers”. It’s triggers are not universal. What may cause one person’s to become active, may not affect another. Established triggers include: stress, skin injury, some medications, strep infections and perhaps allergies, diet or weather.
Is it contagious?
It is not contagious. It can be aggravated by infection but it is not caused by infection. Nonetheless, it can be socially isolating as those who suffer with it can withdraw from friends and family.
How long does the disease last?
Treatment
Dr. Gray has extensive training and performs a variety of treatments including topical medications, phototherapeutic measures (narrow band-UVB), and traditional systemic anti-psoriatic medications [methotrexate, cyclosporine (Neoral), acitretin Soriatane], and the new generation of biologic agents to treat psoriasis [Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab) and Stelara (ustekinumab)].
She will carefully evaluate your condition and design a custom psoriasis treatment program that is just right for you. Many of our patients are clear in less than 30 days of their first visit.
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