Psoriasis Specialist

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin that can itch and bleed. These patches can be small and only mildly uncomfortable, or they can cover large areas of your skin and lead to constant pain and itching. 

While psoriasis has no cure, the right combination of treatments can reduce the frequency of your flare-ups.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common signs of psoriasis include:

• Dry patches of skin
• Skin that cracks
• Red, itchy skin
• Joint swelling
• Silvery scales
• Patches that may bleed
• Thickened nails

Your exact symptoms of psoriasis often depend on the type you have. Once Dr. Durchhalter diagnoses your type of psoriasis, she can develop the right treatment plan for you.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

There are many types of psoriasis that you can develop, including:

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes itchy, red, inflamed patches of skin with silvery scales. These plaques often develop on the elbows, back of the knees, lower back, or scalp.

Pustular psoriasis

One of the rarest forms of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis causes large lesions filled with pus on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.

Nail psoriasis

If you have pitted or discolored fingernails or toenails, psoriasis may be the culprit. Nail psoriasis can even cause the nails to separate from the nail bed without treatment.

Guttate psoriasis

A bacterial infection can cause drop-like scales on the arms or legs. Common in children and adolescents, guttate psoriasis rarely affects adults.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects the folds of the skin, such as the groin, skin underneath the breasts, and under the buttocks.

Psoriatic arthritis

In addition to red, itchy patches of scaly skin, psoriatic arthritis causes joint swelling and stiffness.

What are the treatments for psoriasis?

Dr. Durchhalter offers several advanced treatments for psoriasis, including:

Biologic medications

Biologic medications target the T-cells in the immune system to block proteins that commonly cause psoriasis flare-ups. These medications are available in both injection and intravenous forms to treat psoriasis.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a form of light therapy that uses ultraviolet (UV) waves of light to slow the growth of psoriasis skin cells. The treatment is a safe, noninvasive, effective, and pain-free way to reduce psoriasis flare-ups.

To learn more about psoriasis, call Allure Dermatology, or schedule an appointment online today.