About psoriasis
Psoriasis is an extremely common skin condition that impacts millions of Americans- in fact, it is estimated that up to 2.2% of the population are afflicted with psoriasis. When an individual has psoriasis, their body speeds up the lifecycle of skin cells. This causes skin cells to then build up on the surface of the skin.
These extra skin cells form patches that can be red, scaly, itchy, and unsightly. Psoriasis has no cure, but the symptoms can be managed with the help of your dermatologist. The exact cause of psoriasis is not entirely understood, but it is known to be an autoimmune condition that can be influenced by a number of factors. These factors include stress, injury, medication, alcohol, and infection.
How psoriasis manifests
The most common symptoms of psoriasis are the appearance of scaly and itchy patches on the skin. However, there are other symptoms as well. Some additional signs of psoriasis include:
- Extremely dry skin
- Skin that cracks and/or bleeds
- Soreness around patches of skin
- Thick and pitted fingernails and toenails
- Swelling or pain of the joints
The symptoms of psoriasis will vary from patient to patient- not all psoriasis sufferers will experience the same things. For this reason, it is important to have your disorder properly examined and diagnosed by a trained dermatologist.
Receiving a diagnosis of psoriasis
Receiving a diagnosis of psoriasis may seem like it brings more questions than answers. There is still much more to discover about this disorder.
While psoriasis can be frustrating and inconvenient, it is generally not dangerous. In many cases, psoriasis can be well managed with a combination of medicine, treatment, and lifestyle changes. Some of the psoriasis treatments that have been proven to be effective include:
- Topical treatments, such as creams and ointments. These might be prescribed, or over the counter.
- Systemic medications- either oral or injected
- Light therapy with UVA and UVB light
Talk to your dermatologist to learn which treatments for psoriasis are recommended in your specific case.
Charlotte NC dermatologist for psoriasis
Whether you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis, or if you just expect that you might have it, you will want the most effective and experienced treatment team to help you deal with this disorder. If you live in the Charlotte NC area, consider speaking with the experts at Metrolina Dermatology about your case of psoriasis. South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments.
The expert and helpful staff at Metrolina Dermatology can help you understand your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options for psoriasis. Contact the team at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule your initial appointment.
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