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, in Worcester, Massachusetts, 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. 

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which you produce new skin cells too fast. This leads to skin buildup, causing prominent patches of thickened skin. Psoriasis isn’t contagious, but it runs in families. 

This skin disease occurs when your body’s T-cells, an important component of your immune system, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. Your body then produces new skin more frequently, leading to excess skin cells and patches of thickened skin.

What does psoriasis look like?

The symptoms of psoriasis vary with the disease type. 

Plaque psoriasis

By far the most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, affecting approximately 9 in 10 people with the disease. With this type of psoriasis, you commonly develop plaques — raised patches of thickened skin — on the knees, elbows, or in other parts of your body. 

Plaques often have scales and a dry silvery coating. With plaque psoriasis, you may have many variously-sized plaques, and some smaller plaques may combine. 

There are also other types of psoriasis, including:

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis causes breakouts of many tiny bumps.

Inverse psoriasis 

Inverse psoriasis causes patches of irritated skin under the arms or in other areas where skin touches skin.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps and swollen red skin.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a life-threatening condition that causes burned-looking skin on most of your body. 

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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