Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes your skin cells to grow rapidly. When this happens, they accumulate on your skin’s surface and cause irritating patches of scaliness. Like other autoimmune diseases, experts aren’t sure what causes it. 

However, there’s likely a genetic component, and you have a higher chance of getting it if you have family members with the disease. 

As with other autoimmune diseases, your psoriasis can lay dormant for months or years between flare-ups. When you’re exposed to a trigger, your psoriasis might flare up and cause the painful, irritating symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups include alcohol, stress, and infections throughout the body. You can prevent some flare-ups by identifying and avoiding your triggers, but managing the condition isn’t always so simple. 

Dr. Keehan evaluates your condition and helps you find a treatment to clear your skin in the long term. 

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis that all result in rash-like symptoms. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which has some distinctive symptoms. You might have plaque psoriasis if you experience intermittent outbreaks of:

• Red, inflamed skin patches
• White or silver scales on your skin
• Intense skin dryness and cracking
• Thick fingernails and toenails
• Painful joints
  
  

You might experience some or all of these symptoms. The condition can go into complete remission with successful treatment and management strategies. 

How is psoriasis treated?

Dr. Keehan is an expert in the field of psoriasis diagnosis, management, and treatment. He offers many options for treatment at Keehan Dermatology and can help you select the best course according to your symptoms, triggers, and preferences. 

Your personalized psoriasis treatment plan might include:

Topical treatments

Topical creams and ointments can effectively treat your mild or moderate psoriasis flare-up. Dr. Keehan might recommend topical corticosteroids, retinoids, or salicylic acid products.

Oral or injectable medications

Dr. Keehan typically recommends oral or injectable medications like biologics or immunosuppressants for psoriasis that doesn’t respond to topicals. 

Excimer laser treatments

Excimer lasers deliver UV light to your psoriatic skin. They can greatly reduce your symptoms, especially when combined with another form of treatment.

For more information about psoriasis and available treatments, call Keehan Dermatology for an appointment or book online today.

Before and after treatment!