What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, skin condition that appears in flares, and plaque psoriasis is the most common type.
This autoimmune disease accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of your skin. The excess skin cells form red patches and scales that can be itchy, painful, and aesthetically unpleasant.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis depend on the type and the person. The types of psoriasis include nail, scalp, plaque, guttate, inverse, and pustular. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Burning, itching, or soreness
- Thickened ridged or pitted nails
- Dry and cracked skin that might bleed
- Red patches of skin with silvery scales
- Small scaling spots (most commonly in children)
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis doesn't have a definitive cause, but it may be related to a malfunction or problem with the immune system, T cells, and other white blood cells in your body. The normal function of T cells is to travel through your body and protect you against foreign substances like bacteria or viruses.
With psoriasis, the T cells mistakenly attack your healthy skin cells as if they’re trying to fight an infection or heal a wound. Overactive T cells can trigger a heightened production of healthy skin cells, additional T cells, and other white blood cells.
Genetics or one or more of the following factors may play a role in causing or exacerbating psoriasis:
- Infections
- Chronic stress
- Injury to the skin
- Certain medications
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Excess tobacco and alcohol use
What are the treatments for psoriasis?
Dr. Rothfleisch typically diagnoses psoriasis after a thorough physical exam, comprehensive review of your medical history, and skin biopsy if needed. To treat your psoriasis, Dr. Rothfleisch might recommend one or more of the following treatment methods:
- Light therapy with gentle ultraviolet light
- Topical creams like corticosteroids, moisturizers, retinoids, and salicylic acid
- Oral and systemic medications and injections, such as biologics, methotrexate, and cyclosporine
The primary goal of psoriasis treatment is to inhibit the cells’ rapid growth and reduce inflammation.
Adopting one or more of the following lifestyle measures may also help relieve your symptoms:
- Excimer Laser
- Biologics such as Enbrel, Stelara, Taltz and Cosentyx to name a few
- Take daily baths
- Manage stress
- Exercise frequently
- Moisturize regularly
- Consume a healthy, nutrient-dense diet
- Expose skin to small amounts of sunlight
- Quit smoking tobacco
- Avoid alcohol consumption
Dr. Rothfleisch helps you to manage psoriasis symptoms, so you can enjoy relief. Click or call to schedule your appointment.
