Coping with Psoriasis

September 15, 2000
Psoriasis is an unpleasant, disfiguring disease, whose sufferers often hide away from life or are pushed away. Its cause is unknown, and there is no cure. It can affect people of all ages, and sufferers can die from the disease or the complications of treatment. Cram has long dealt with psoriasis patients and understands current knowledge of it and how patients and others react to it. Stress doesn't cause it, yet reducing stress often can help in managing it, and psychological scars are usually the main problem associated with it. Cram speaks wisely about those matters, drawing on stories of his patients to show how such scars may affect all aspects of life and how they can be handled effectively. Many HMOs will not pay for adequate care, so Cram's advice on finding a doctor is important. In addition, he describes various treatment methods, speaking especially well of psoriasis day-care centers. Self-acceptance is the major goal, he says.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)