Psoriasis
Dr. Michele Moraes is a skilled, board certified dermatologist, expertly trained to solve your skin problems. Psoriasis is an uncomfortable and chronic skin disorder that can disrupt your daily life. Call Boca Derm or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Michele at Boca Derm in Boca Raton, Florida, to treat irritating symptoms of psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is one of several persistent skin disorders that arise when cells build up and form scales and dry patches. It can be both itchy and irritating, leaving those affected desperate for treatment.
Although there’s no cure for psoriasis, Dr. Moraes offers the best medications to alleviate symptoms of this condition. Other lifestyle changes may also help, such as moisturizing, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that will often come and go.
With psoriasis, skin cells multiply much faster than normal, which causes the formation of raised, red plaques covered with silvery white scales. Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp, but can also affect the torso, hands, feet, and even genitals.
Abnormalities in the immune system can cause an episode of psoriasis. Factors such as stress, trauma, or an infection can also prompt a flare-up.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Symptoms of psoriasis depend on the type you have. For the most common type, plaque psoriasis, symptoms include:
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- Plaques of red skin that tend to be covered with loose, silvery white scales
- Itchy and painful lesions that sometimes crack and bleed
- Plaques coalescing and covering larger areas
- Pitting or discoloration of fingernails and toenails
- Plaques with scales or crust on the scalp
Luckily, treatments are available to manage the symptoms of psoriasis
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How is psoriasis treated?
There are three main types of treatment for psoriasis: topical treatments, light therapy, and systemic medications. By reviewing your medical history, doing a physical examination, and consulting with you about your symptoms, Dr. Moraes finds the right course of treatment for you.
Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs are effective at treating mild to moderate psoriasis. However, if your condition is severe, topical treatments may be combined with other treatments.
Light therapy treatments, such as UVB phototherapy and Goeckerman therapy, are used to slow the turnover of skin cells, improving the symptoms of psoriasis. Systemic medications, such as retinoids and methotrexate, are used to treat severe types of psoriasis for short periods of time.
If you want to get your psoriasis under control, book an appointment with Dr. Moraes today. Her expertise will help you manage your symptoms and find relief from your psoriasis.