Psoriasis symptoms
Psoriasis is an exceedingly common disease, impacting about 3.6% of all Caucasians and 1.9% of African Americans. There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can usually be well managed with treatment.
Psoriasis is characterized by a rash on the skin, which can be dry, flaky, peeling, and/or red. Psoriasis usually flares and recedes, meaning that an affected person may have no symptoms or outbreaks for a while and then suddenly develop a rash. This cycle can repeat.
In addition to the skin symptoms of psoriasis, the nails or joints may be impacted. Psoriasis may lead to joint stiffness, inflamed tendons, and even psychological concerns, such as depression.
What causes Psoriasis?
Doctors have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of psoriasis, although it appears to be a combination of a genetic predisposition and one or more “triggers” that cause the dormant affliction to appear. Scientists believe that about 10% of people have the genes that enable psoriasis to develop, but it only presents in about 2-3% of people.
Triggers include:
- Stress
- Skin injuries, including vaccinations, sunburns, or scratches
- Medications, including lithium, anti-malarials, Inderal, Quinidine, and indomethacin
- Infection
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder, not a skin disorder, although the primary symptoms are rashes or irritation of the skin.
Psoriasis treatment
While psoriasis does not currently have a cure, there are many different treatments available to help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort associated with this disorder. Fortunately, psoriasis symptoms typically respond very well to these treatments. The appropriate treatment for your specific case of psoriasis can be determined by your Charlotte dermatologist.
Some of the more common treatments prescribed for psoriasis include:
- Topical treatments- salicylic acid, steroidal creams, calcipotriene, retinoids, and coal tar ointments and shampoos are among the most effective topical applications.
- Light therapy- either through natural sunlight, or artificial UV rays
- Oral drugs- methotrexate and cyclosporine are two drugs often prescribed. While these can be very effective, they also run a higher risk of side effects and are best used as a last resort after other treatments fail.
Finding a Charlotte dermatologist for your psoriasis
If you are suffering from psoriasis and think you may need treatment, the team at Metrolina Dermatology is ready to help. The experienced staff at Metrolina Dermatology are up to date on all the most effective treatments for psoriasis sufferers. South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her team are well recognized as experts in the fields of cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatological care.
Don’t suffer with the pain, inconvenience, and embarrassment of psoriasis any longer than you have to. Call Metrolina Dermatologyin Charlotte today to set up your initial appointment.
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