FAQ

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of the skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface.

Psoriasis affects between 1 and 2 percent of the United States population, or about 5.5 million people. Although the disease occurs in all age groups and about equally in men and women, it primarily affects adults. People with psoriasis may suffer discomfort, including: pain and itching, restricted motion in their joints, and emotional distress.

In its most typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, usually itch and may burn. The skin at the joints may crack. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet, but it can affect any skin site. The disease may also affect the fingernails, the toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia. About 15 percent of the people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces arthritis symptoms. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

What causes Psoriasis?

Recent research indicates that psoriasis is likely a disorder of the immune system. This system includes a type of white blood cell, called a T cell, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Scientists now think that, in psoriasis, an abnormal immune system causes activity by T cells in the skin. These T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people with psoriasis.

In about one-third of the cases, psoriasis is inherited. Researchers are studying large families affected by psoriasis to identify a gene or genes that cause the disease. (Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.)

People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens and then improves. Conditions that may cause flare-ups include: changes in climate, infections, stress, and dry skin. Also, certain medicines (most notable are beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, and lithium or drugs used to treat depression) may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.

How is Psoriasis diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis after a careful examination of the skin. However, diagnosis may be difficult because psoriasis can look like other skin diseases. A pathologist may assist with diagnosis by examining a small skin sample (biopsy) under a microscope.

Is there more than one kind of Psoriasis?

There are several forms of psoriasis. The most common form is plaque psoriasis (its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris). In plaque psoriasis, lesions have a reddened base covered by silvery scales. Other forms of psoriasis include:

Guttate Psoriasis - Small, drop-like lesions that appear on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by bacterial infections (for example, Streptococcus).
Pustular Psoriasis - Blisters of noninfectious pus that appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, emotional stress, or exposure to certain chemicals. Pustular psoriasis may affect either small or large areas of the body.
Inverse Psoriasis - Large, dry, smooth, vividly red plaques that occur in the fold of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Inverse psoriasis is related to increased sensitivity to friction and sweating, and may be painful or itchy.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis - Widespread reddening and scaling of the skin that is often accompanied by itching or pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis may be precipitated by severe sunburn, use of oral steroids (such as cortisone), or a drug-related rash.

What is Noble Formula Rx?

Noble Formula Rx is our OTC Noble Formula combined with clobetasol to 0.05% by a pharmacist, when prescribed by your physician.

There is significant synergy between the ingredients of Noble Formula and alcohol soluble corticosteroids. Compounded with 100% clobetasol to 0.05% strength by individual physician prescription, the skin lesions of psoriasis or severe eczema become symptom free within several days and are typically fully suppressed by 2-4 weeks.

Noble Formula Rx has a reported success rate of 96% good to excellent clearing of skin lesions, reported by the clients of Ontos, Inc. over the past 12 years.

What is Clobetasol Propionate?

Clobetasol propionate is a potent topical corticosteroid and is used for the short-term relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including dermatoses of the scalp.

Why try NF-Rx when a previous Clobetasol Rx didn't work well for me?

There is significant synergy between the ingredients of Noble Formula and alcohol soluble corticosteroids. Although the essential ingredients of Noble Formula (pyrithione zinc, sodium lauryl sulfate, and isopropyl myristate) do not have a large body of medical literature to recommend it for skin disorders, the clients of Ontos, Inc. report an increased effectiveness over many medications they have used. Noble Formula Rx has a reported 96% good to excellent clearing of skin lesions, over the past 12 years.

Can Noble Formula be found in regular pharmacies?

Many pharmacies across the U.S. stock Noble Formula or special order Noble Formula upon patient request, including some CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Eckerd, Medco Health, Rite-Aid, Sav-On, Caremark, and numerous independent pharmacies. For a list of active pharmacies in your area, check our Pharmacies webpage (coming soon) or call Ontos, Inc. toll-free at 1.888.469.7546.