Psoriasis Q & A
What is psoriasis?
Although it manifests as a skin condition, psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system. If you have psoriasis, your body produces skin cells too rapidly, so they build up on the surface of your skin. Psoriasis plaques look like red, scaly areas of skin that can be painful and itchy.
These patches vary in size and can cover a large area of your body, depending on the severity of your condition. Psoriasis most often appears on your knees, scalp, elbows, or back. You can get psoriasis anywhere on your body, and there’s no cure, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
There are several different types of psoriasis, so your symptoms may vary based on the type. The most common form of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. Symptoms include:
- Dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques)
- Plaques covered in silvery scales
- Painful, dry, itchy skin
- Burning and irritation around the plaques
You can also get nail psoriasis that affects your fingernails and toenails, causing them to become discolored and pitted. Scalp psoriasis usually appears on your forehead and can extend into your hair, behind your ears, or to the back of your neck along your hairline.
Other types of psoriasis have symptoms that look like a rash of red water droplets (guttate psoriasis) or areas of smooth, red, inflamed skin in your armpits, under your breasts, or around your genitals (inverse psoriasis). Less common forms of psoriasis can cause a full-body rash or painful, swollen joints.
How does a dermatologist treat psoriasis?
At Pure Dermatology, the team offers the latest comprehensive treatments to help you manage symptoms and reduce the number of psoriasis flare-ups. They may prescribe creams for mild forms of psoriasis or systemic medications including injectables and oral medications for severe cases.
Additionally, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and managing stress can reduce symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups.
If you or a family member need help controlling psoriasis symptoms and managing flare-ups, call the Pure Dermatology office at 512-766-2610 or book an appointment online to get relief.
