Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition and an autoimmune condition. Like other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis involves flare-ups of symptoms coupled with periods of remission when you don’t have symptoms. It isn’t contagious and comes from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. 

When you have psoriasis, cells in the uppermost layer of skin (the epidermis) reproduce too quickly and don’t shed off fast enough. As a result, scaly rashes develop in specific areas such as your knees, elbows, and scalp. 

Flare-ups of psoriasis can happen sporadically or in response to triggers such as emotional stress, infections, and injuries. When a flare-up happens, it can impact your emotional, social, and psychological well-being, disrupt your sleep, and cause bothersome itching or burning. 

Which type of psoriasis do I have?

There are a few different types of psoriasis that the team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania diagnoses and can treat. They vary in their symptoms and in how common they are. A few of the most common psoriasis types are:

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type and causes patches of redness and irritation to appear covered in silvery scales. The most common areas for a plaque psoriasis flare-up are your knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. 

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis affects young adults and children the most of all age groups. It causes scaling spots to appear on your limbs or trunk and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection. 

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis causes abnormal fingernail and toenail growth as well as nail discoloration. 

How can I manage my psoriasis?

The Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania team provide treatments that help control your psoriasis symptoms and minimize the number of flare-ups. There are many medications and other strategies to improve psoriasis, including:

• Topical steroids
• Topical vitamin A or D
• Salicylic acid
• Coal tar preparations
• Oral medications
• Biologics
• Sunlight
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy
• Certain laser treatments

The team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania works with you to find a treatment or combination of treatments that effectively minimize your symptoms. They might recommend home care, too, such as daily baths and moisturizers. 

Find out more about how you can manage your psoriasis by scheduling a treatment consultation over the phone or online at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania today.