Raychaudhuri, Bagchi Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

• Presents information on pathophysiology, disease epidemiology, JAK-STAT pathways, genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Covers current treatment recommendations for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis including topical preparations, light treatment, DMARDs, and concept of total care
• Provides cutting edge and latest information on cytokine targeted biologics, small molecule signaling protein inhibitors, T-cell regulation, NGF and its receptor signaling, and adipocytokines
• Addresses the opportunities of physical therapy, psychotherapy, exercise and various rehabilitation alternatives, and support group therapies for psoriatic disease
• Discusses various nutraceutical supplements and functional foods available for psoriasis and its accompanying inflammatory conditions

Psoriasis is a life-long chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thick scaly skin lesions and often associated with severe arthritis. In psoriasis, lesions skin cells, keratinocytes, grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery or red patches on skin. Normal skin cells grow gradually and flake off about every four weeks, but psoriasis causes new skin cells to move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days rather than weeks. Psoriasis symptoms often appear on the elbows, scalp, feet, knees, hands, or lower back, or as flaking or patches on the skin. It is most common in adults, but teenagers and children can also suffer from psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not only a skin condition; it is a chronic disease of the immune system. Chronic psoriasis is associated with other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, several inflammatory disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This book provides extensive coverage of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It features information on epidemiology and etiology of psoriasis, pathogenesis, genetics of psoriasis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options using cutting-edge drugs including adalimumab and tofacitinib.

Natural phytochemicals and nutraceuticals have demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating psoriasis. The book dedicates comprehensive coverage of nutraceutical therapeutic options including antioxidants, bioactive peptides, carotenoids, alpha lipoic acid, curcumin, and whey protein. These inexpensive natural therapeutics are not associated with any known adverse side effects.