What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which your body produces new skin cells at a far more rapid rate than normal. Rather than taking weeks to make new skin cells, your body produces them in days.
As a result, the excess cells start to build up on the surface of your skin, causing thick, scaly patches to appear. These patches are called plaques, and plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease. You might notice other symptoms, too, like a stinging or burning sensation on your skin. Your skin might also feel painful or tight.
There are other forms of psoriasis, and all of them are lifelong conditions, apart from a childhood form called guttate psoriasis.
Where do psoriasis plaques appear?
Psoriasis plaques can show up anywhere on your skin. However, you’re most likely to get plaques on your:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Lower back
- Scalp
Plaques come in various sizes. They can form single small patches or come together to make one large mass. Plaques are almost always very itchy. If you don’t get treatment for your psoriasis, the itchy skin can become unbearable.
What causes psoriasis?
It’s not known for sure what causes psoriasis. It is known that it tends to run in families, so it’s likely there’s a genetic link.
Research also indicates that psoriasis is likely to be related to a problem with your immune system, which can also cause problems like eczema.
How is psoriasis treated?
You can do a lot to help yourself when you have psoriasis. For instance, it’s common to have triggers that make your condition worse, like stress. Avoiding triggers like these can help you manage your psoriasis more successfully.
The team at A to Z Dermatology offers various psoriasis treatments aimed at stopping your skin cells from growing so quickly, removing scales, and smoothing your skin. The three main types of treatments for psoriasis include topical medicines you apply to your skin, medicines you take orally, and light therapy. You may need a combination of two or more treatments.
To find out more about treatments for psoriasis, call A to Z Dermatology or request an appointment online today.
