This may not be the exact look of your condition. Please confirm your diagnosis with your dermatologist.
What is it?
Caused by an abnormality in the immune system, Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that causes the increased production of new skin cells. Unable to shed the old skin cells quickly enough, the patient’s skin accumulates these dead cells on the skin’s surface.
At this time, psoriasis has no cure but there are many advanced and effective treatments that have made an enormous difference for those patients who have psoriasis. The types of psoriasis include:
Plaque psoriasis – The most common form of the disease. Presents itself as red and pink patches with silvery scale. Classic areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, hands and feet but can appear anywhere on the skin, and can even affect the nails.
Guttate psoriasis – This is the most common type of psoriasis diagnosed in children, but it can also present in adults. Sometimes the onset of guttate psoriasis follows a cold or flu like illness, such as strep throat.
Pustular psoriasis – These are blistered, pus-filled lesions surrounded by reddened skin. Although it can appear anywhere, the hands and feet are often affected.
Inverse psoriasis – Occurs in the areas of the body where the skin folds, such as the armpits and groin. Appears as smooth, inflamed red patches.
Erythrodermic psoriasis – Total body involvement and redness can lead to severe systemic illness.
Psoriatic arthritis – Characterized by joint discomfort that includes pain, swelling, stiffness and/or throbbing. Patients with psoriatic arthritis can have very mild or very severe skin disease.
Symptoms?
Red, inflamed patches of skin
Silvery scales
Dry, cracked skin
Itching, burning or soreness of the skin
Swollen and stiff joints (psoriatic arthritis)
Could this be what you have?
Psoriasis affects 4.5 million Americans annually and is slightly more common in women.
Treatment Options @ Pinnacle
For patients with mild psoriasis, topical steroids are often prescribed. Other treatments that may be considered by your dermatology provider include but are not limited to: oral and injectable medications that affect the immune system to control the psoriasis; light therapy treatment; laser treatment and more.