Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis causes rough, scaley patches on the skin which can be embarrassing or bothersome to the patient. At Elite Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced treatments to manage psoriasis symptoms and improve skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease caused by an overactivity of the immune system. Psoriasis is characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, red, and often scaly patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious and is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What’s the treatment for psoriasis?
Elite Dermatology and Plastic Surgery 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 such as topical steroids
- Other non-steroidal topical medications such as Zoryve® (roflumilast) or VTAMA® (tapinarof)
- Oral medications such as Otezla® (apremilast) or Sotyktu™ (deucravacitinib)
- Injection with biologic medications
Psoriasis is a chronic condition closed linked to your metabolic health. Our board-certified dermatologists may suggest lifestyle modifications that may be beneficial to your overall health as well as your psoriasis.
Don’t let psoriasis take over your skin — or your life. Use online booking or phone the Elite and Plastic Surgery Dermatology office now to schedule your visit for psoriasis treatment.
Are there different types of psoriasis?
There are five types of psoriasis of the skin:
- 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.
Psoriasis may also present as inflammation in the joints called psoriatic arthritis. This condition requires treatment and monitoring with a rheumatologist.
