Psoriasis

The physical symptoms of psoriasis are unpredictable and can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious when out in public. The condition can also cause significant pain and frustration during each flare-up. The team at Shady Grove Dermatology offers several effective psoriasis treatments at their Rockville, Maryland, office. They are skilled in treating the condition and reducing symptoms to restore your quality of life. Book your appointment by phone or online today.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by skin cells that reproduce much faster than usual. When an abnormal number of cells reach the surface of the skin and are raised, scaly plaque develops. These flaky skin patches cause discomfort and pain and, without proper treatment, can even cause disfiguration in the affected area.

Infections, severe sunburn, stress, trauma, and certain medications trigger the condition. It can also flare up due to a withdrawal of regular psoriasis treatment.

Patients who have psoriasis experience periods of frustrating flare-ups and remissions over their lifetime. There's no cure for psoriasis, but Shady Grove Dermatology offers several treatment options to reduce red, scaly areas of the skin.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is most common on the elbows, knees, soles of the feet, palms, and torso. It can even occur on the scalp. Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red skin covered with scaly, painful lesions
• Cracked or bleeding lesions
• Lesions growing together
• Fingernail and toenail discoloration or detachment
  

Psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis, a painful condition marked by swelling in the joints.

What psoriasis treatment options are available?

The primary goal of treating psoriasis is stopping the excessive growth of skin cells. Your dermatologist may first recommend lifestyle changes, including stress management techniques. 

If you’re a smoker, they can recommend effective smoking cessation assistance.

Your dermatologist creates a custom treatment plan to alleviate pain and reduce scaly flare-ups. Other treatment options for psoriasis include:

Topical treatments 

Prescription creams and ointments reduce inflammation and prevent itching for mild cases of psoriasis.

Prescription oral medications

Slow the growth of skin cells for mild to severe psoriasis.

Prescription injections

Reduce inflammation and scaly patches in severe psoriasis cases. Your provider may use immune system-altering injections when other therapies fail. 

Laser therapy

Laser therapy can be used to slow skin cell growth and reduce scaling for mild to moderate psoriasis.

Your provider performs a comprehensive physical exam of your psoriasis symptoms to determine the best treatment. They may initially try a combination of methods to observe your body's response.

Untreated psoriasis can cause further medical complications and increase your risk of developing other diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other autoimmune conditions.

Schedule your appointment online or by phone for a psoriasis consultation.