History of Psoriasis

Background

The skin condition that we know as psoriasis can be traced back to biblical times. It may have been called Tzaraat then; however, the symptoms were the same as what we refer to as psoriasis today.

Up until the 1800’s, psoriasis was believed to be contagious. As a result of this belief, many people who had psoriasis were put into leper colonies. It was during the 1800’s that this skin condition was found to not be contagious and was separated from its classification alongside leprosy.

In 1841, psoriasis received its name from a scientist named Ferdinand Hebra. Psoriasis comes from the Greek word psora, which means “to itch”. Dr. Hebra’s original hypothesis about the triggers of a psoriasis flare-up are not far from what is believed today. Dr. Hebra suggested that climate, habits (such as drinking brandy), and nervous temperments were the responsible culprits for psoriasis. Today, it is still believed that climate (especially cold weather) and nervous  (such as stress) are triggers for a flare-up.

Historical Treatments

Treatments for psoriasis have advanced over the years, although some of the original treatments are still being used today. The good news is that science is still progressing in its advancements in psoriasis treatment:

• Over 100 years ago- Dithranol (comes from goa powder from araroba trees), Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, Sunlight, Dead Sea Salt, Emollients
• 1920’s- UVB light, Goeckerman Regimen (a daily concentrated treatment of UVB light and Coal Tar - treatment lasted about 3-4 weeks)
• 1950’s - Topical and Oral Steroids
• 1960’s - Hydroxyurea (an antineoplastic - a drug used to combat the growth of tumors)
• 1970’s - PUVA (psoralen plus UVB)
• 1980’s- Methotrexate (a drug commonly used in cancer patients and patients with autoimmune disorders)
• 1990’s- Topical Vitamin D and Retinoids (same chemical properties of Vitamin A)
• 2000’s - Biologic treatments and laser therapy

As research continues, progress is being made to find a cure for psoriasis.