Psoriasis Treatment

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the affected individual will experience red, silver, or white scaly and itchy patches that are due to the rapid reproduction of skin cells. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune skin condition that typically affects the scalp, elbows, knees, genitalia, and buttocks. Dermatologists can diagnose you with psoriasis, as well as the types of psoriasis you may be suffering from. This is an inherited condition that frequently skips generations.

• Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis vulgaris) - This most common form of psoriasis is typically found on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. These raised red patches are often covered by a white scale and can vary in size. While plaque psoriasis can be extremely itchy, it is important to not scratch it since this can make your psoriasis worse, leading to larger patches.
• Guttate Psoriasis - This type of psoriasis is likely to appear all over the body, especially the trunk, limbs, and face, and usually occurs after an illness like strep throat infection. These small spots will go away without treatment however it can take several months for it to completely disappear.
• Pustular Psoriasis - This serious type of psoriasis is typically found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These red, pus-filled bumps can be sore and painful, and will leave brown scales on the skin, once they dry up. If you are experiencing these bumps all over your body, it is critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This type may erupt spontaneously or after taking internal steroid medications.
• Inverse Psoriasis - This type of psoriasis forms where skin is in constant contact with skin, such as the armpits, genitals, and the cleft between the buttocks, and typically consists of sore, smooth red patches.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis - This type of psoriasis is very serious and can appear that the skin has been burned. Not only is this type of psoriasis painful, but it can also cause extreme itching and cause irregular body temperatures. If you are experiencing erythrodermic psoriasis, seek medical attention immediately. It may require prompt hospitalization and inpatient dermatologic care.

How to Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis not only affects a person’s health and well-being, but their self-esteem as well. With the right treatment, which is determined by you and your dermatologist, you can improve your quality of life, as well as your happiness.

• Creams and Ointments: The most common types used are steroid creams and salicylic acid. There is a variety of other over-the-counter and prescribed creams and ointments that can be used, such as vitamin D formulas, retinoids, and tar solutions.
• Oral Drugs: Typically reserved for more moderate to severe psoriasis cases, the use of oral drugs may be part of your treatment, especially if your psoriasis is not responding to other treatments.
• Biologic Drugs: In the event that all other forms of treatment fail, the use of biologic dugs may be the only answer. These medications are a way to suppress your immune system in a targeted manner, without the harsh side effects of oral medication.
• Light Therapy (phototherapy): Exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, or the sun, can help to improve the symptoms of psoriasis. This type of treatment can easily be performed in your dermatologist’s office.
• BOL: This treatment option rapidly treats psoriasis plaques.

Call Dermatology Specialists of Illinois at (844) 307-7546 to schedule a consultation.