Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is characterized by red scaly dry elevated areas on the skin. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body but favors the scalp, nails, elbows, knees, belly button, and sacral region. The scale often has a gray appearance and then picked can lead to bleeding. This is referred to as the Auspitz sign. 1-2% of the U.S. population has psoriasis. It is caused by an increase in inflammatory mediators in the skin. These aberrant cytokines lead to over stimulation of the skin cells and thickening of the skin leading to psoriasis plaques.
Here at S. Albertson Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center we are experts in psoriasis. Psoriasis is a full body system inflammatory process. For this reason it is important to control your skin condition. Treatment options include creams, lotions, ointments, laser, light booth, oral medications, and injectable medications. We will work diligently with you to get your skin clear. Every case of psoriasis is slightly different and requires individualized treatment plans.
Chronic Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is characterized by classic psoriatic plaques with a fine silvery white scale. Commonly affected sites include elbows, knees, scalp, umbilical region, ears, and buttocks.
Psoriatic arthritis is a very important type of psoriasis to recognize and treat appropriately. As the name suggests this type affects the joints. Not only is the skin affected but the joints are also being attacked by the inflammation. It manifests clinically as painful and swollen joints with morning stiffness. The joint damage can be irreversible so it is essential to catch and treat it early.
Guttate psoriasis is a common subtype of psoriasis. It presents with small 2-5mm scaly lesions that have been compared to water drop like. It commonly presents abruptly following a streptococcal throat infection. Usually occurs in patients under the age of 30. It may require antibiotic therapy to clear the throat infection.
Inverse psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasis that only appears in the skin fold areas. Affected areas include groin, gluteal crease, genital area, and inframammary folds. This type of psoriasis is more based on the clinical distribution. There will be less scale associated with these lesions as they are in moist occluded areas of the body.
Here at S. Albertson Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center we understand how debilitating your psoriasis can be. Having psoriatic plaques can be embarrassing and affect your quality of life on a daily basis. We will work with you to get your skin clear. Psoriasis continues to be heavily researched with new treatment options becoming available every year. We will find the best treatment option to fit your specific type of psoriasis.