Psoriasis

If you’re among the 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis, it’s important to find a dermatology specialist who understands the condition and how to control it. At The Dermatology Center of Worcester, the team of experienced medical and cosmetic dermatology professionals offers psoriasis diagnosis and treatment in a comfortable environment so you can leave the discomfort and embarrassment behind. Call the office or click the online scheduling feature to make your appointment now. 

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, which means that your body’s immune system starts overacting and causing problems. If you have psoriasis, immune cells become active and produce molecules that set off the rapid production of skin cells. This is why skin in people with the disease is inflamed and scaly. Scientists do not fully understand what triggers the faulty immune cell activation, but they know that it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, and researchers have pinpointed some of the genes that may contribute to its development. Nearly all of them play a role in the function of the immune system.

What does psoriasis look like?

The symptoms of psoriasis vary with the disease type. 

• Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common kind, and it appears as raised, red patches of skin that are covered by silvery-white scales. The patches usually develop in a symmetrical pattern on the body and tend to appear on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, especially the elbows and knees.
• Guttate psoriasis. This type usually appears in children or young adults, and looks like small, red dots, typically on the torso or limbs. Outbreaks are often triggered by an upper respiratory tract infection, such as strep throat.
• Pustular psoriasis. In this type, pus-filled bumps called pustules surrounded by red skin appear. It usually affects the hands and feet, but there is a form that covers most of the body. Symptoms can be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or certain chemicals.
• Inverse psoriasis. This form appears as smooth, red patches in folds of skin, such as beneath the breasts or in the groin or armpits. Rubbing and sweating can make it worse.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is a rare but severe form of psoriasis characterized by red, scaly skin over most of the body. It can be triggered by a bad sunburn or taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids. Erythrodermic psoriasis often develops in people who have a different type of psoriasis that is not well controlled, and it can be very serious.

There are also other types of psoriasis, including a type that affects the nails. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis experience psoriatic arthritis, in which you have joint swelling and pain. 

How is psoriasis treated?

Psoriasis treatment depends on your type of psoriasis, its symptoms, and the severity of the disease. 

Topical products, such as corticosteroids, calcitriol (synthetic vitamin D), retinoids (synthetic vitamin A), and coal tar, are often effective in calming psoriasis flare-ups. 

If you have moderate-to-severe psoriasis, light therapy might help slow down extra skin cell production.

People with severe psoriasis might need oral or injected medications to reduce skin cell production, minimize inflammation, alter immune system function, or suppress immune system function. 

Quality skin care, including moisturizers, may also help with psoriasis. The Dermatology Center of Worcester team can help you find the right psoriasis treatment plan to effectively manage the condition for the rest of your life. 

For psoriasis help, click the online scheduling link or call The Dermatology Center of Worcester today.

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