Psoriasis Specialist

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder that speeds up the growth of skin cells, resulting in thick, red skin and silvery scales. 

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition and requires ongoing management from the skin experts at Dermatology Arts.

What are the types of psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects your skin in different ways, causing various symptoms. Though plaque psoriasis is the most common type, other types include.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the type of psoriasis that causes the silvery patches of red, itchy skin. These patches most often affect the elbows, scalp, and skin behind the knees.

Guttate psoriasis

With guttate psoriasis, you develop tiny red bumps on the torso, arms, and legs. This type of psoriasis usually occurs after an infection and may not turn into a chronic skin problem.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects the areas of your skin that fold, such as the armpits or the crease in your buttocks, causing smooth red patches of burning skin.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes painful pus-filled patches of skin that appear on the hands and feet. 

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a serious skin condition that causes bright red skin all over the body and requires immediate medical care. This type of psoriasis usually develops in people who have other types of psoriasis.

Nail psoriasis

With nail psoriasis, you have thin, pitted, crumbly nails. 

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the connective tissue in your joints. You may have psoriatic arthritis with or without other types of psoriasis.

What happens during a psoriasis evaluation?

When you visit Dermatology Arts for a psoriasis evaluation, you can expect a patient-centered exam. Your dermatologist reviews your symptoms, medical and family histories, and examines your skin.

Though the experts at Dermatology Arts can diagnose psoriasis after a physical exam, they may take a sample of your skin and send it to the lab for confirmation.

How is psoriasis treated?

The team at Dermatology Arts customizes your psoriasis treatment plan based on the type and the severity of symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Vitamin D analogs to slow down cell growth
• Retinoids to reduce skin irritation
• Calcineurin inhibitors to minimize inflammation and plaque buildup
• Light therapy
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Laser therapy
• Biologics to alter the disease cycle

No single treatment works for all, and the team works closely with you, designing a plan that eases your skin condition and reduces flare-ups.

For a comprehensive psoriasis treatment plan, call Dermatology Arts or schedule an appointment online today.