Psoriasis is an incredibly common skin condition that many people suffer from. It is generally a lifelong condition that fluctuates in cycles, which can make it incredibly difficult to deal with. Understanding psoriasis can help you to obtain the appropriate treatment to minimize the impact that psoriasis can have on your life. There are many different treatments that are available for psoriasis, though there is no single determined cause or cure of psoriasis. Here at Allen-Taintor Dermatology, our experienced professionals are capable of effectively treating psoriasis and reducing its impact on your life. We are dedicated to ensuring healthy, beautiful skin for our patients. These services can ensure that you are able to remain comfortable in your own skin.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is often considered an autoimmune condition that results in skin cells developing too rapidly. A skin cell cycle occurs when a cell is created, reproduces, and eventually dies and sheds off the skin. The average skin cell cycle is approximately a month, but psoriasis creates skin cells in a much quicker cycle. This causes thick, scaly patches of skin that may itch or cause discomfort. There are multiple types of psoriasis. Though it is often a life-long disease, there are many ways that psoriasis can be controlled and the symptoms can be reduced. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. This is generally what people think of when they hear the term “psoriasis.” It shows up on the skin as raised and inflamed red lesions. These lesions are often covered by silvery, white scales. Plaque psoriasis occurs frequently on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back.
Inverse psoriasis is another form. This type of psoriasis features red lesions but doesn’t contain the scales of plaque psoriasis. It tends to develop in skin folds, which can cause further irritation and can make it difficult to get rid of. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rather severe form, but it is very rare. It is extremely inflammatory and can develop from plaque psoriasis. This form of psoriasis disrupts the body’s chemical balance and can lead to serious health issues, like pneumonia or other illnesses. It is vital to seek medical attention when erythrodermic psoriasis occurs. Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that consists of small, red, individual spots. It is possible for guttate psoriasis to develop into plaque psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis is a variety of psoriasis that features white pustules that are surrounded by red skin. No matter what type of psoriasis you are experiencing, it can be incredibly useful to obtain the appropriate services for treating psoriasis.
Main Cause of Psoriasis
There is no single main cause of psoriasis, but most experts believe that it results from an overactive immune system that essentially attacks the cells within the body, causing them to reproduce at a far too rapid rate. There are many factors that may cause an increased risk of psoriasis. Psoriasis often runs in families, so genetic factors may increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Environmental factors may also result in the development of psoriasis. There are many common things that cause flare ups of psoriasis. Avoiding these triggers can help to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis. Common triggers include infections, such as specific illnesses, as well as injuries, stress, specific medications, weather, and alcohol or tobacco consumption. Keep in mind that even though psoriasis certainly has a genetic component, it is not a contagious condition. Skin that is allowed to dry out or is exposed to many of these triggers is likely to be more vulnerable to developing psoriasis.
Psoriasis Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms of psoriasis can help you to know when to seek treatment from a certified dermatologist. In general, whenever you experience pain or discomfort, you should visit us to obtain services to ease the symptoms. Psoriasis symptoms commonly include red, flaky, and crusty patches of skin that are often covered by silvery scales. Psoriasis is often accompanied with intense feelings of itching or burning. Psoriasis tends to occur in cycles between flares of psoriasis and remission, though there is no specific cure for psoriasis. Thickened, dry skin is often present when psoriasis occurs.
Treating Psoriasis
There is no set cure for psoriasis, though there are certainly a multitude of treatments to control the impact of psoriasis on your life. Identifying and avoiding your triggers that cause your psoriasis to flare up can significantly help minimize your discomfort. Dietary supplements or vitamins may reduce the likelihood of psoriasis occurring. If you have experienced psoriasis, it is important to prevent your skin from drying out. This can be done by using humidifiers to treat the air within your home or moisturizers to enhance the moisture level of the skin. This is particularly useful when the weather is dry.
If you are vulnerable to psoriasis flare ups, you should avoid using fragrances on your skin. Eating a healthy diet can similarly help to minimize the risk of a psoriasis flare up. Stress is a common trigger of psoriasis, so implementing stress management techniques can prevent psoriasis from occurring. It can be similarly useful to stop smoking or drinking if you are experiencing regular psoriasis flare ups. There are many prescription treatments for psoriasis outbreaks, as well. These treatments include many different factors, such as topical treatments and oral or injected medications. If you are experiencing psoriasis, it can be exceptionally helpful to visit an experienced dermatologist to obtain the superior care.
Contact us Today!
Psoriasis can have a devastating impact on your life. Not only can it be incredibly painful and uncomfortable, but it can also significantly impact your self-esteem. Those who experience psoriasis regularly may feel self-conscious about the scaly patches on their skin. Implementing the ideal treatments can go a long way toward controlling the negative symptoms of psoriasis. Here at Allen-Taintor Dermatology, we provide an array of services to protect the health and appearance of your skin. To learn more about our services and how to protect your skin from the impact of psoriasis, contact our experts today!