More than seven million men, women, and children in the United States have psoriasis. Psoriasis is the result of an autoimmune disorder, in which skin cells replace themselves every 3 to 4 days, rather than the usual 30, creating a buildup of cells on the skin‘s surface and causing symptoms to appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitals. Although there is no cure, several treatments are available to relieve symptoms effectively.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common condition in the skin that causes a rapid buildup of skin cells, which results in red, raised, dry and cracked scaly patches, and blisters to form on the skin. Psoriasis can be mild to severe and is known to cause itching and burning on affected areas.
What are the Causes of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by an immune-system disorder involving a white blood cell called the T Cell. While T cells are known for traveling through the body to fight off viruses, they can also target skin cells in people who have psoriasis. This causes an increased production of healthy skin cells, which build up on the skin's surface, causing scaling and patches. The symptoms of psoriasis can worsen as a result of specific triggers. Triggers include infections, certain medications, injuries on the skin, stress, smoking, and consuming alcohol.
What are the Symptoms Of Psoriasis
For some people, psoriasis is, fortunately, only a cosmetic issue. However, it can cause severe pain in others, primarily when it is combined with arthritis. The symptoms of psoriasis are known to fluctuate and flare up as it is a recurrent disorder. Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on each patient but often include the following:
- Red patches on the skin, with silvery scales
- Crusty spots
- Dry or cracked skin
- Itching or burning
- Soreness
- Thickened nails
What are the Types Of Psoriasis
Each different type of psoriasis has their own set of symptoms. There are several different types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque psoriasis: Most common as it affects a majority of psoriasis patients. This type usually causes bumpy, red spots and are usually covered with silvery white scales. If you have plaque psoriasis, you probably see flare ups on your elbows, knees, scalp, and back.
- Guttate psoriasis usually starts showing in the early stages of childhood. It can cause small red lesions to show up on your torso, legs, and arms. If you have this type of psoriasis, you may be more susceptible to getting bacterial infections.
- Inverse psoriasis usually appears in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or in other skin folds. It shows up as bright red spots that may become irritated from sweat and friction. This type of psoriasis is most common in people who are overweight.
- Pustular psoriasis is most commonly diagnosed in adults. This type appears as white, pus-filled blisters, surrounded by red spots. Pustular psoriasis can be triggered by certain medications, UV lights, pregnancy, or infection.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis is not seen often as it is the least common form of psoriasis. It usually appears as red, scaly spots on the whole body.
- Nail psoriasis is found in the nails and it causes them to appear thick and yellow. Many people who have this type of psoriasis also develop a fungal infection.
- Psoriatic arthritis is not your average case of psoriasis as it is a mixture of psoriasis and arthritis. In addition to psoriatic arthritis causing symptoms of psoriasis, it also can cause swelling, pain, and discoloration in the joints.
Can Psoriasis Be Cured?
Psoriasis can’t be fully cured. However, there are many different treatment options our dermatologists at Dania Dermatology can go over with you.
What Treatment Options are Available for Psoriasis
Luckily, there are treatments available if you are suffering from psoriasis. These treatments are designed to clear your skin of any psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis treatments include:
- Topical psoriasis treatments usually include corticosteroids, vitamin D, or topical retinoids. These topical medications are designed to stop inflammation, skin-cell growth, and DNA activity to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Light therapy can be combined with topical treatments to slow the production of skin cells and improve the skin's overall appearance. This psoriasis treatment works by exposing your affected areas to natural sunlight or UV light.
- Oral medications are used if you have severe psoriasis, or other treatments aren't working. Medications that you may be prescribed are retinoids, methotrexate, or cyclosporine.
Patients with psoriasis can help relieve symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized, covering the affected areas while sleeping, and avoiding catalysts such as stress, smoking, and alcohol. Adhering to a doctor‘s treatment plan and following the recommended home remedies makes effective relief from psoriasis possible.
Schedule Your Psoriasis Appointment Today!
Are you ready to finally feel relief from your psoriasis? Contact Dania Dermatology in Dania, FL, at 954-807-9433. Our experienced and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stanley Skopit is dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest quality of care because you deserve the best! Now accepting Medicaid.