Psoriasis / Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is in most cases genetically determined and is estimated to be one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases, affecting 2% of the population. It is an autoimmune disease with so-called possible comorbidities (= concomitant diseases), such as metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids and obesity. The risk of heart attacks and strokes is significantly increased compared to healthy people without psoriasis. We take this into account by also clarifying the possible risk factors if necessary.

In addition, there are certain provocation factors that can play a role in triggering the psoriasis, e.g. infections, alcohol and tobacco consumption, stress, blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, antimalarials such as chloroquine, lithium.

Therapy is based on external treatment, ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy, 308 nm excimer therapy and internal therapy with a very wide range of modern medication, depending on the needs and wishes of the patients.

Orthomolecular medicine supports these measures to a considerable extent. High-dose vitamin D therapy according to the Coimbra protocol is also very suitable in many cases.

In the case of joint involvement (psoriatic arthritis), which occurs in about one third of those affected with psoriasis, internal therapy is unavoidable.