Psoriasis Treatment: Manage the Symptoms and Improve Skin Health
Psoriasis is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately 2% of the population in the United States. While it is more commonly observed in individuals with white skin, people of all races can develop this condition. The condition is characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of flaky patches with scales.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious condition that can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
The condition often runs in families, with individuals having a higher risk if they have a close relative with psoriasis. However, psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
The immune system, specifically T-cells, plays a significant role in psoriasis. In psoriasis patients, T-cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, leading to an ongoing cycle of excessive skin cell production.
Genes also contribute to psoriasis susceptibility. Certain genetic factors increase the likelihood of developing psoriasis, although it's important to note that having these genes does not guarantee the development of the condition.
During the diagnosis of psoriasis, a dermatologist will carefully assess your skin, nails, and scalp to identify any signs or symptoms associated with the condition. They will inquire about various factors, including symptoms such as itchy skin, nail problems such as thickening or yellowing nails or nail pain, joint problems, and blood relatives who have psoriasis.
Psoriasis can manifest on the skin in various ways, and its presentation may differ depending on the individual's skin tone. In darker skin tones, psoriasis often leads to the development of thicker plaques and more pronounced scaling compared to individuals with lighter skin tones.
How do dermatologists treat psoriasis?
Dermatologists create personalized treatment plans for psoriasis based on various factors, such as the type and severity of psoriasis, affected areas, impact on the patient's life, other medical conditions, and current medications.
The goals of treatment include relieving symptoms, improving skin health, addressing nail changes, and reducing joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis if present.
Psoriasis is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately 2% of the population in the United States. While it is more commonly observed in individuals with white skin, people of all races can develop this condition. The condition is characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of flaky patches with scales.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious condition that can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
The condition often runs in families, with individuals having a higher risk if they have a close relative with psoriasis. However, psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
The immune system, specifically T-cells, plays a significant role in psoriasis. In psoriasis patients, T-cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, leading to an ongoing cycle of excessive skin cell production.
Genes also contribute to psoriasis susceptibility. Certain genetic factors increase the likelihood of developing psoriasis, although it's important to note that having these genes does not guarantee the development of the condition.
During the diagnosis of psoriasis, a dermatologist will carefully assess your skin, nails, and scalp to identify any signs or symptoms associated with the condition. They will inquire about various factors, including symptoms such as itchy skin, nail problems such as thickening or yellowing nails or nail pain, joint problems, and blood relatives who have psoriasis.
Psoriasis can manifest on the skin in various ways, and its presentation may differ depending on the individual's skin tone. In darker skin tones, psoriasis often leads to the development of thicker plaques and more pronounced scaling compared to individuals with lighter skin tones.
How do dermatologists treat psoriasis?
Dermatologists create personalized treatment plans for psoriasis based on various factors, such as the type and severity of psoriasis, affected areas, impact on the patient's life, other medical conditions, and current medications.
The goals of treatment include relieving symptoms, improving skin health, addressing nail changes, and reducing joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis if present.
