A stem cell is a essentially a “blank” cell that can mature into other types of cells. It is found in embryos, umbilical cord blood and in some tissues in the human body. Since stem cells can be manipulated to form different types of cells, it has a wide range of applications for treating certain diseases.
Imagine being able to replace those cells in your brain that are not producing enough dopamine resulting in Parkinson’s disease? With stem cell therapy, this will someday be a possibility. For now, stem cells can be used successfully for treating certain types of bone marrow disease where a transplant would be necessary.
Continue reading
There are five different types of psoriasis, some of which may coexist, although in most cases it is only type that will be predominant. Other types of psoriasis may appear and remain for long periods of time or clear up quickly with the return of the predominant plaque appearance. The treatment for each type of psoriasis is similar but it should be monitored by a dermatologist and the appropriate course of treatment should be initiated at the right time.
PUVA is one of the many treatment options for psoriasis using ultraviolet light to reduce skin thickening and sometimes resolve plaques completely. It is not a cure for psoriasis but can be very effective in managing the active stages of this skin disease.
PUVA stands for Psoralen and UVA. It is a form of light therapy, also referred to as photochemotherapy, where the skin reacts to ultraviolet light due to the presence of psoralens within the skin cells. It has been used in some form or the other for thousands of years by the ancient Indians and Egyptians. UVB or ultraviolet B is also used in the treatment of many skin conditions including psoriasis but with psoralens treatment, it is UVA that is most effective.
Continue reading
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where the skin thickens and the area swells causing clearly defined areas of raised red patches with silvery-white flaky skin in the middle. This skin condition tends to affect the extensor surfaces of the body and can also involve the scalp, sometimes leading to hair loss, and the fingernails and toenails. Psoriasis cannot be cured – most treatments will offer temporary relief or the condition may go into remission only to recur a short while later.
Continue reading