If you have psoriasis, you know just how uncomfortable those dry and itchy flare-ups can be. You might wear long sleeves or scarves to hide the characteristic scaly rash, even in hot weather. But living with psoriasis can be much easier with the right treatment plan.
At Dania Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stanley Skopit has helped countless patients manage their plaque psoriasis. Read on to learn more about this noncontagious skin disease and the available treatments.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune system problem that causes systemic inflammation in your skin. Genetics and environment are also thought to play a part. While the exact cause of psoriasis isn’t known, there are some common triggers.
Causes of psoriasis flare-ups include:
- Emotional stress
- Skin injuries like sunburns, scratches, bug bites, or needle punctures
- Illness or other immune disorders
- Cold weather and dry air
- Skin allergies to dyes or chemicals
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Certain medications like ibuprofen, lithium, and ACE inhibitors
- Hormonal changes
Tracking and avoiding your psoriasis triggers is the first step you can take to manage your condition. That said, this alone is rarely enough to get the disorder under control. That’s where our dermatologist comes in.
How Do Dermatologists Treat Psoriasis?
There are many psoriasis treatments, so there is some trial and error in finding the right one for you. Dr. Skopit will adjust your treatment plan as needed so we can find the solution that works best.
If you have mild or moderate psoriasis, topical treatments like corticosteroids, vitamin D ointments, or retinoids may help reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth. Oral or injected medications may be added if your psoriasis is unresponsive or severe. These include steroids injected into the scaly patches, biologics (like Humira), methotrexate, and cyclosporine.
Because these medications carry more risks of side effects, Dr. Skopit might suggest light therapy using controlled doses of UVB or PUVA. Phototherapy is estimated to noticeably improve symptoms for 50% to 90% of patients, depending on the type of light. However, this treatment is more intensive, requiring regular appointments for the best results.
Find Psoriasis Treatment in Dania, Florida
Living with psoriasis isn’t always easy, but our providers are here to help you find some relief. At Dania Dermatology, Dr. Skopit has a reputation for patient-focused care and utilizing the most advanced and effective treatments. Call 954-807-9433 to book your psoriasis appointment in Dania, Florida.