What is psoriasis?
Most people have heard of psoriasis, but they may struggle to define exactly what it is. This common skin condition afflicts up to 7.5 million Americans, but it can manifest differently in different individuals.
Psoriasis is classified as an auto-immune disorder. It is chronic, meaning that it is long lasting and may come and go in a cyclical manner. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, although there are medications and treatments available that can help manage the condition.
It is not exactly known causes psoriasis, although there appears to be both a genetic and an immune component. Psoriasis “flares” can be triggered by diet, stress, injury, medication, and more. Psoriasis is not contagious.
What are psoriasis symptoms?
Psoriasis is characterized by the formation of scaly patches on the skin. This is caused by accelerated skin cell growth, which causes a buildup on the surface of the skin. The patches may be red, raised, or itchy. They may have whitish/silver scales on top of them. In some cases, skin may crack or bleed.
Psoriasis patches may develop on any part of the body, although they are frequently seen over joints. In addition to these areas, psoriasis sufferers may also experience painful or swollen joints and thick or pitted nails. They may also experience soreness around the psoriasis patches.
What should I do if I think I have psoriasis?
Make sure you contact a doctor if you suspect that you may have psoriasis. This is a serious condition, and it is not one that you can treat on your own. A qualified dermatologist will be able to diagnose exactly what type of psoriasis you have (there are five main varieties) and recommend the appropriate treatment to manage your condition.
In some cases, other skin disorders may mimic the symptoms of psoriasis. It is important to get a professional and accurate diagnosis of your skin issue.
Finding your Charlotte NC dermatologist
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of psoriasis, or if you think you may have another skin condition, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You will want to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible.
In the greater Charlotte NC area, consider making an appointment with the experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology.The dermatologists at Metrolina Dermatology can help you with any aspect of your skin’s health, including diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her team are known as experts in all fields of dermatology, including medical, cosmetic, and surgical skin care.Call them today to schedule your first appointment.
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