Is psoriasis inherited? Can this disfiguring skin disease be helped by acupuncture?

While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, most patients appear to have a genetic predisposition to the disease even if this is not easily noticeable in relatives.

"Psoriasis seems to involve a strong hereditary factor although only one third of its victims can recall having a relative with the disease," said the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

Not all people, however, develop the silvery scales of psoriasis immediately. In some, the disease may start as a few small pimples or it may follow injury to the skin such as a cut or burn.

"Occasionally, psoriasis will begin as a group of little pimples instead of scaly patches. This is especially common when the onset is triggered by a sore throat or a similar streptococcal infection," according to Dr. Robert Walther, associate clinical professor of dermatology, in "The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide."

"In severe cases, the patches may spread and run together or the body may be vertically covered with a red bumpy rash," he added.

Acupuncture won't solve your problem since the disease has nothing to do with nerves but in the abnormal proliferation of the top layer of the skin. Moreover, there is a danger of contracting hepatitis, AIDS and other infections from improperly sterilized needles - doing more harm than good to the patient.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, many modern therapies can make the disease less annoying and embarrassing. Consult a dermatologist for the right treatment.

More information is available from the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) located at 6443 S.W. Beaverton Highway, Suite 210 in Portland, Oregon.

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