What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune condition in which the body produces too many skin cells too quickly. It is a common skin condition that should be treated by a dermatologist.
Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes scaly patches of skin to develop on the scalp, elbows, behind the knees, and other areas of the body. These patches can cause severe itching and may appear red or white.
Severity of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is classified by severity level, according to what percentage of your body is involved. Psoriasis is classified as:
- Mild, if less than 3% of your body is affected
- Moderate, if 3% to 10% of your body is affected
- Severe, if over 10% of your body is affected
How Your Dermatologist Can Treat Psoriasis
Treatment of psoriasis will depend on the severity of the psoriasis and the severity of symptoms you are experiencing. Psoriasis treatment options include:
- Prescription moisturizing creams, shampoos, and bath treatments
- Topical steroid treatments to reduce itching and slow down skin cell growth
- Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to eliminate psoriasis patches
- Prescription oral medications, including cyclosporine and methotrexate reduce skin cell production and decrease inflammation
- Biologic drugs suppress the immune system and reduce psoriasis breakouts.
What You Can Do to Manage Psoriasis Triggers
Several factors can trigger a psoriasis outbreak. It’s useful to know these triggers so you can potentially avoid them. Common psoriasis triggers include:
- Experiencing high levels of stress
- Developing an illness or having a skin injury
- Being exposed to excessive sunlight
- Being exposed to excessive cold or dry weather
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Experiencing hormonal fluctuations
Want To Know More About Psoriasis?
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, treatment, and management of psoriasis, call Dr. Nadia Satya Urato at Satya Sarasota Dermatology in Sarasota, FL. You can reach her in the office by calling (941) 263-8866, so call today.