Living with psoriasis is a challenge. It is a skin condition that not only impacts a person’s appearance, but also the activities of daily living — sleeping comfortably, bathing without pain, or even selecting clothes that are not irritating to the skin. If you or a loved one have questions about psoriasis or are living with psoriasis, contact us at Affinity Dermatology in Frisco, Texas, to speak to one of our board-certified doctors or skincare specialists. Our team is trained to treat psoriasis and its side effects.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a serious medical condition caused by problems in the immune system. It is a disease that causes an itchy, scaly, or even painful rash to appear on the skin, that can bleed or “flare up” during certain periods. This condition is commonly seen on the knees, elbow, trunk, and scalp, and can present itself as a patchy rash, cracked and bleeding skin, or scaled skin.
The Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis has many signs and symptoms which vary from person to person. Generally, the symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Patches of red, irritated skin, which is sometimes accompanied by silver scales
- Cracked skin that might bleed
- “Flare-ups,” or periods when psoriasis returns with severity
- Pain or stiffness that is sometimes accompanied by swelling in the joints
- Discoloration, pitting or crumbling of finger and toenails
- Itchy, painful skin
What Causes Psoriasis?
This condition is not completely understood yet, but research points toward problems in the immune system as a catalyst for the development of psoriasis. Some patches of skin will grow faster than others, creating the condition’s famous raised, irritated patches. Genetics, lifestyle, and recurring factors such as medication also play large roles in the development and severity of the disease. Anyone can get psoriasis, though the condition is sometimes caused by stress, cold or dry weather, skin irritation, a related illness, smoking, or alcohol usage.
The Different Types of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis we treat at Affinity Dermatology. It presents itself as raised patches of skin that are itchy, irritated, and sometimes scaly. That said, there are four types of psoriasis we also see:
Inverse psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Additionally, between 10 and 30% of patients experience pain in the joints, which we know as psoriatic arthritis, for which there is no known cure. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis focuses on pain management and symptom relief.
Psoriasis Treatment Options
Medical dermatology is an option for psoriasis treatment, and though this condition is not curable, there are other treatment options available for patients. Some common treatments for psoriasis include (but are not limited to) topical medication, biologic treatments, and oral medication.
It can be frustrating waiting for acne to clear up on its own, especially when untreated acne can result in scarring and a lower sense of self-esteem. Find the acne solution you need with Affinity Dermatology in Plano! Schedule your appointment today.