Psoriasis Specialist

Sanford Dermatology

Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Sanford, NC, Lillington, NC & Pittsboro, NC

As many as 7.5 million Americans struggle with psoriasis, a painful skin condition that leads to dry, flaky, itchy patches of skin. If you’re experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, you can receive comprehensive care at Sanford Dermatology. Get relief from psoriasis by booking an evaluation at one of the clinic locations in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, today. Call the office nearest you directly.

Psoriasis Q & A

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune disease that leads to rapid production of skin cells. Since dead skin cells start stacking up on top of one another without adequate time to shed away, you start developing thickened, flaky patches of skin.

The symptoms you experience with psoriasis depend on which type you have. Below are descriptions of the five most common types of psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type that affects about 80% of psoriasis sufferers, plaque psoriasis leads to red, thickened, and inflamed patches, particularly on your scalp, elbows and knees. These patches may be covered in whitish or silvery scales.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis, which typically affects children, leads to breakouts of small pink spots, resembling a rash. Usually, these spots develop on your midsection or limbs.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes large patches to form that become red and inflamed, as well as the development of pus-filled blisters. Although pustular psoriasis tends to occur on your hands or feet, it can certainly form anywhere on your body.

Inverse psoriasis

With inverse psoriasis, you start developing red, shiny, and inflamed patches in skin folds, such as in your armpits or under your breasts. Inverse psoriasis can even lead to painful inflammation around your groin or genitals.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

The least common form of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis leads to redness and inflammation that cover large areas, almost like a sunburn. You develop scales that slough off almost in sheets.

Why do I have psoriasis?

Psoriasis isn’t well-understood, although researchers believe that a combination of genetics and your immune system are to blame. When you have psoriasis, specialized white blood cells known as “T cells” attack healthy skin cells.

Because skin cells are under attack, they go into overdrive and produce more and more skin cells, which leads to the symptoms you experience. Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by several factors, including:

Stress
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption

Even changes in climate can lead to an uncomfortable psoriasis flare-up. Before your psoriasis affects you another day, schedule an evaluation at Sanford Dermatology to get started on a treatment plan, as well as preventive care.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treating psoriasis depends on which type of psoriasis you have, as well as the severity of your symptoms. Your psoriasis treatment plan from Sanford Dermatology may include:

Oral medications, such as retinoids
Topical or oral corticosteroids
Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy
Prescription topical creams
Biologics (injectable drugs)

Your dedicated dermatologist at Sanford Dermatology can also counsel you about lifestyle changes you need to make to prevent issues with psoriasis. They may recommend losing weight, reducing saturated fat consumption, and drinking less alcohol, to name a few.

Before psoriasis flare-ups start taking over your life, see how Sanford Dermatology can help. Book a psoriasis evaluation either online or over the phone today.

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