Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common dermatological skin condition that causes patches of itchy, scaly, dry skin. While psoriasis is not contagious and can not be spread via person-to-person contact, about 8 million people in America have psoriasis. If you’re living with psoriasis, you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing the condition can be.

Maybe you’ve tried everything to get rid of your psoriasis, but you still hide your skin when you’re around other people. Fortunately, there is relief. Here at Dermatology Associates, our team of board-certified dermatologists work with people who have psoriasis to identify solutions and reclaim quality of life.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is interesting in that its symptoms can vary from person to person. Most people with psoriasis have patches of red, inflamed skin covered in thick, white scales. These patches may burn, itch, or feel sore. The skin around the inflamed patches tends to be dry, which can cause areas of cracking, splitting, and bleeding, furthering the discomfort of the condition. Many people with psoriasis also report stiff, swollen, painful joints – a marker of psoriatic arthritis. It’s common for symptoms of psoriasis to be cyclical, becoming very noticeable for days or weeks before subsiding (going into remission). Patches of psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the scalp, face, hands, knees, feet, and elbows.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, and it’s possible to experience more than one simultaneously.

Plaque.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of this skin disorder, and it typically manifests as patches of red, inflamed skin covered in silver scales. These patches appear on the elbows, lower back, scalp, and knees.

Guttate.

Guttate psoriasis typically develops during childhood and can be triggered by various bacterial infections. It manifests as a series of small, red, raised bumps across the scalp, torso, legs, or arms.

Psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis causes joints to swell and become painful. It can range from mild to severe and may cause permanent joint damage in some cases.

Inverse psoriasis.

A fungal infection typically triggers inverse psoriasis. It may manifest as patches of smooth, inflamed, red skin that does not have any scales. It tends to affect body parts where skin folds are present, such as the armpits, genitals, and area under the breasts.

Pustular psoriasis.

Pustular psoriasis causes painful, pus-filled blisters to appear around the body. The blisters are surrounded by red, inflamed skin. This condition can be widespread and may impact large areas of the body.

Erythrodermic.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type but can become life-threatening. This condition is characterized by areas of peeling, red rash, burning, itching, or pain throughout the entire body, and extreme discomfort. People experiencing erythrodermic flares should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Treatments for Psoriasis

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are several effective treatments. Effective treatment can decrease symptoms, slow the growth of skin cells, reduce pain, itching, and discomfort, and help your skin look less irritated, scaly, or inflamed. It’s essential to meet with the staff at Dermatology Associates regarding treatment since methods vary depending on which type of psoriasis you have.

Contact our team to schedule your first appointment today.

Schedule My Appointment