Psoriasis Specialist

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a unique dermatological condition that impacts the production of skin cells. Normally, skin cells have a lifespan of about 28 days before they shed away. This makes room for newer underlying cells to rise to the surface.

When you have psoriasis, your immune system sends a faulty signal that speeds up this cycle. Skin cells can mature in fewer than six days with psoriasis, a pace so rapid that your skin just doesn’t have adequate time to shed.

As a result, dead skin cells continue building up on top of one another. This is why you start noticing extremely flaky skin, as well as other psoriasis-related symptoms.

When should I see a dermatologist for psoriasis?

Because there are five distinct forms of psoriasis, it’s important to be familiar with the symptoms of each, so you should have an evaluation with the dermatology team at Seacoast Dermatology, right away. Read more about warning signs of psoriasis below.

Plaque psoriasis

Most cases of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis. This form of psoriasis, commonly found on your elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, leads to inflamed red lesions. You’re probably also going to notice silvery-white scales over the red patches.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis surfaces as small red dots that resemble pimples. Usually, these bumps develop on your trunk or limbs. Guttate psoriasis tends to flare up quickly, especially when you have an illness, such as strep throat or tonsillitis.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis usually develops in dark and moist folds, like in your armpits, buttocks, or groin, or underneath your breasts. This type of psoriasis causes bright red lesions that tend to be smooth and shiny.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis, which can develop anywhere on your body, leads to small white blisters that are filled with pus. Typically, these blisters are surrounded by reddened skin. Pustular psoriasis can flare up because of excess ultraviolet (UV) light exposure or because of irritating topical treatments.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is known for causing severe inflammation, where patches of your skin appear fiery and red. Rather than causing flaking, erythrodermic psoriasis forces your skin to shed off in white sheets. Sunburn, pneumonia, or infections can all trigger erythrodermic psoriasis.   

How is psoriasis treated?

Your psoriasis treatment plan from Seacoast Dermatology, depends on which type of psoriasis you have and the severity of your symptoms. For mild-to-moderate psoriasis, meaning psoriasis affects 10% or less of your body, you may benefit from:

• Over-the-counter scale lifter solutions
• Prescription-strength topical corticosteroids
• Specialized lubricating moisturizers
• Phototherapy (light therapy)
• Pulsed-dye laser treatments
  
  

But if psoriasis affects more than 10% of your body, you have moderate-to-severe psoriasis and might need any of the above therapies in addition to:

• A combination drug and light therapy treatment
• Biologic medications to suppress your immune system
• Drugs to slow down skin cell growth
  
  

No matter which type of treatment is right for your specific case of psoriasis, you can feel confident that your dedicated dermatology provider at Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC, works diligently to find the best solution.

Before your psoriasis flares up any further, get started on treatment at Seacoast Dermatology. Request an appointment online, or call your closest location directly.