What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an immune system disease that's often thought of as a skin disease because the main symptom is rough patches on the skin. There are five different kinds of psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis
If you have plaque psoriasis, you'll have rough red patches of skin with a white layer of dead skin at the top. It's most common to have these patches on the lower back, elbows, and knees. If you don't resist the urge to scratch or rub, the skin patches can crack and start bleeding quite easily. This is the most common kind of psoriasis.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis looks like tiny red dots, and it's often found on your chest, arms, and legs. This kind of psoriasis may begin with a strep infection.
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis usually appears as bright red patches in the underarms, below the breasts, or in the groin area. If you suffer from inverse psoriasis, it's very likely that you also have another type of psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis looks similar to whiteheads, but it's found mainly on the hands and the soles of the feet. The skin around the bumps may redden dramatically.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis can result from severe cases of unstable plaque psoriasis. In this kind of psoriasis, the red patches spread all over the body. Skin may peel off in large sheets.
If you have psoriasis of any type, treatment is important because symptoms don't go away without help.
Am I at risk for psoriasis?
Anyone can develop psoriasis, but certain factors increase your risk. These include:
- Immediate family member with psoriasis
- Obesity
- High stress levels
- Immune system disorders
- Smoking tobacco
Risk factors like obesity, stress, and smoking are controllable, and making changes now could help you avoid psoriasis in the future.
What's the treatment for psoriasis?
Elite Dermatology offers a variety of treatments for psoriasis. Your treatment depends on the location of the lesions, the severity of the flares, and your symptoms. Options include:
- Topical medications
- Oral medications
- Light therapy
- Injection with biologic medications
Your dermatologist at Elite Dermatology will work with you to find a plan that clears both your skin and your symptoms.
Don't let psoriasis take over your skin — or your life. Use online booking or phone the Elite Dermatology office now to schedule your visit for psoriasis treatment.
