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Psoriasis impacts individuals in the millions worldwide, with almost 8 million people contending with scaly, inflamed skin in the United States alone. For the highest standard of psoriasis care, turn to the team of experienced dermatologists at Skin Care Specialists with locations in Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale, Arizona. They offer a wide variety of effective treatments to personalize your care and help you find relief quickly. To get started, contact the nearest office by phone or book an appointment online today.
Psoriasis Q&A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by a chronic autoimmune disorder that prompts your skin cells to grow rapidly, leading to the appearance of thick, scaly patches of skin. This overgrowth may feel painful or itchy to the point of becoming debilitating.
While genetics are a likely culprit for determining who develops psoriasis, environmental factors like stress, infections, smoking or alcohol consumption, or cold weather can trigger a flare-up.
Do I need medical care for my psoriasis?
Having a comprehensive examination and diagnostic evaluation at Skin Care Specialists can let you know whether you have psoriasis or another skin condition like eczema since some symptoms can overlap. Schedule your evaluation as soon as possible if you experience:
- Cracked or bleeding skin
- Red rash
- Scaly or dry skin
- Burning or itching sensations
- Bumps in the skin containing pus
- Brittle or crumbly nails
- Peeling or flaky skin
Your provider can help relieve your symptoms and get to the underlying cause of your condition. They may take a skin sample to check for infections or other skin issues under a microscope.
They’ll meticulously tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs and improve your quality of life, taking into consideration how frequently your psoriasis flares up and how severe your symptoms are.
What are the best treatments for psoriasis?
Psoriasis doesn’t go away, but ongoing treatment can help manage flare-ups, ease painful symptoms, and prevent scarring, infection, or other serious complications. Your Skin Care Specialists provider may prescribe:
Topical creams and ointments
Your psoriasis may respond well to topical treatments, particularly those that contain vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, retinoids, and coat tar to relieve inflammation and itching.
Phototherapy
This innovative treatment slows down excessive skin cell growth by exposing the area to ultraviolet light. This soothes your skin and gives it the chance to recover.
Systemic medications
If your psoriasis is particularly severe and has not responded to standard treatments, your provider may recommend trying systemic medications, which include immunosuppressants and biologic drugs.
To learn more about the effective psoriasis treatments available at Skin Care Specialists, book your evaluation by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.