Psoriasis
Dr. Keith A. Knoell
Serving Waynesboro, Staunton, Lexington and Harrisonburg, VA
The Symptoms of Psoriasis
A genetic disease, psoriasis is not only uncomfortable, it’s socially embarrassing to those that have it.
Marked by rashes, dryness, fissures, peeling, small bumps, skin thickness or redness, psoriasis can also cause depression,
inflamed tendons, itching, joint stiffness, plaque, and small dents in the nail.
These, however, are not the symptoms of one disease, but several.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this disease, which causes the skin to become dry and raised, forming red skin lesions, or plaques, covered with silvery scales.
Plaques can itch and become painful, and they can occur anywhere on your body, including the inside of your mouth and on your genitals.
Nail psoriasis affects your toes and fingernails, causing them to pit, grow abnormally and to discolor. Psoriatic nails may even separate from the nail bed. In severe cases, the nail will crumble.
Scalp psoriasis causes the scalp to become red and itchy with silvery-white scales. Because it’s itchy, you will find dead flakes on your scalp, hair and shoulders, especially if you have a tendency to scratch your scalp.
Pustular, erythrodermic and psoriatic arthritis are also other forms of psoriasis.
Triggers for Psoriasis
Just like rosacea, psoriasis does not have universal triggers. What triggers it in one person may not trigger it in another.
Generally speaking, these are the known psoriatic triggers:
- Stress
- Injury to the skin
- Certain medications
- Infections
Although not proven, those with psoriasis suspect the weather, diet, and allergies as triggers.
Call Valley Dermatology today! 540-221-6702
What To Do If You Think You Have Psoriasis
If you think you have psoriasis, see your dermatologist right away. The type of treatment prescribed depends on the severity of the disease. For example, with mild to moderate psoriasis, over-the-counter medications and topically applied prescription cremes are in order.
Is There A Cure For Psoriasis?
Not at this time. Follow your dermatologist’s advice, avoid smoking, excess alcohol, and keep your weight within a healthy range to reduce the severity of symptoms.
If you need help managing your psoriasis or suspect that you have the disease, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you!
For moderate to severe psoriasis, prescription medications are again appropriate along with biologics, a new class of injectable drugs that suppress the immune system. Because these drugs are expensive and have many side effects, they are reserved for the most severe psoriatic cases.
