For today’s #MedicalMonday blog post, we’re discussing psoriasis, a common, chronic skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation in roughly 8 million people in the US.
Each case of psoriasis is different and can vary in ways such as type, severity and location on the body. It’s also a chronic disease that often comes and goes over time.
Psoriasis affects the life cycle of skin cells, causing the cells to grow rapidly on the surface of the skin resulting in itchy, irritating and sometimes painful patches. Although the symptoms are most visible on the skin’s surface, psoriasis can affect other systems in the body as well, and has been associated with increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, depression and other immune-related disorders.
The cause of psoriasis isn’t fully known, but researchers speculate it’s related to a problem within the immune system. Research has uncovered certain genes that are linked to the development of psoriasis, and people with a family history of psoriasis are at greater risk for developing the condition.
People with psoriasis can help control the condition by avoiding common triggers such as smoking, infections, injuries to the skin, stress, alcohol consumption, cold weather, weight gain and certain medications.
Psoriasis can also be controlled with medical treatments by slowing the growth of skin cells, reducing inflammation and smoothing the skin.
Prescribed topical treatments—creams and ointments applied directly onto the skin—can greatly help treat mild to moderate psoriasis. If the condition is more severe, topical treatments are likely to be combined with light therapy or other medications.
Another way to treat mild to moderate psoriasis is with phototherapy, which uses UVB to reduce inflammation.
One effective type of phototherapy for treating psoriasis is excimer laser, which delivers ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength to localized areas of the skin. This treatment uses intense, focused doses of laser light to help control areas of mild to moderate psoriasis without harming healthy skin around them. Targeted laser therapy is similar in effectiveness to traditional light therapy, but it works in fewer sessions with stronger doses of light that can reach deeper into the affected skin.
Oral medications and injections are often prescribed if the psoriasis is severe or resistant to other types of treatment. Due to side effects, oral medications and injections are usually only used for brief periods of time and are often combined with other forms of treatment.
If you begin to notice the development of any of the systems of psoriasis, or if you have psoriasis and need help controlling it, contact Dr. Lee at REN Dermatology to schedule a consultation today. Dr. Lee can evaluate your skin and discuss the best treatment options for you, including the latest, most current medications. REN Dermatology also offers full-body UVB treatments and excimer laser treatment.
Just because psoriasis is a chronic condition doesn’t mean you have to put up with the irritating, embarrassing and sometimes painful symptoms.
REN Dermatology is a comprehensive skin care center located in Franklin, Tenn., in the heart of Williamson County. You can schedule an appointment over the phone at 615.835.3220, or online through the website here.