Psoriasis is a lifelong inflammatory skin condition that can cause thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches can itch and hurt without proper treatment.
Understanding psoriasis triggers and getting the right psoriasis treatment can improve both your skin and self-esteem.
The board-certified dermatologists at Goodskin Dermatology provide personalized psoriasis treatment in Portland, OR. Our team can diagnose and treat the different types of psoriasis, helping patients like you find relief.
Contact our team or keep reading to learn about psoriasis symptoms, causes, and treatments.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease. It causes the body to make new skin cells too quickly. Rather than making new skin cells every few weeks, the body makes them every few days. The skin cells then accumulate on the skin, forming thick, scaly patches (plaques).
Most commonly, psoriasis plaques appear on the:
- Scalp
- Elbows
- Knees
- Lower back
Plaques can vary in size, and they tend to itch. They may also burn, sting, or feel tight.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), up to 3.2% of the U.S. population has psoriasis. Of those people, the AAD states that 80% to 90% of them have plaque psoriasis and develop plaques.
Types of Psoriasis
Several types of psoriasis exist. Each one can cause different symptoms in different parts of the skin or nails. According to the AAD, types of psoriasis include:
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common. It causes thick, raised plaques of varying sizes to form on the skin.
- Guttate psoriasis causes tiny pink bumps on various parts of the body. These scaly bumps may resolve on their own or persist on the skin permanently.
- Inverse psoriasis appears in areas where skin touches skin, resulting in sore, red, raw areas.
- Pustular psoriasis results in pus-filled bumps that typically appear on the feet and hands. While very sore, these bumps are not infected.
- Psoriatic arthritis occurs when psoriasis affects the joints. While this condition cannot be cured, prompt treatment can prevent it from getting worse.
- Nail psoriasis can cause changes to the fingernails or toenails, including discoloration, dents, and crumbling. According to the AAD, about half of people with plaque psoriasis have nail psoriasis at some point.
Erythrodermic psoriasisis a severe form of psoriasis. It causes most of the body’s skin to look burned. It can also cause other symptoms, such as fever, chills, weakness, and a rapid pulse. It is important to seek prompt treatment for this form of psoriasis.
Common Psoriasis Triggers
Like many skin conditions, psoriasis has triggers that can cause it to flare up. These triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to learn what makes your psoriasis worse.
Below are common psoriasis triggers to look out for:
- Stress
- Skin injuries, including new tattoos and piercings
- Frequent or excessive drinking
- Smoking
- Dry, cold weather
- Warm, sunny weather
- Infections
- Certain medications
Keeping a journal of potential triggers and psoriasis flare-ups can help you identify which ones worsen your symptoms.
How Goodskin Dermatology Treats Psoriasis
The psoriasis dermatologists at Goodskin Dermatology have the expertise to diagnose and treat this chronic skin condition.
To make a diagnosis, our specialists will review your medical history and examine your skin. They may also potentially take a skin biopsy to rule out skin cancer or eczema.
After diagnosing psoriasis, your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. The goals of psoriasis treatment are to improve skin health, relieve itching, and reduce related symptoms.
Each patient has unique needs and goals for psoriasis treatment. As such, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following options:
- Topical medications applied to the skin include corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, and salicylic acid.
- Light therapy with specialized light bulbs and lasers can treat psoriasis.
- Oral medications, including Apremilast, Cyclosporine, and Methotrexate, are used for more intense treatment.
Biologics can also offer life-changing psoriasis treatment. The AAD states that biologics can be used alone or with another treatment option.
According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, several new biologics show promise as new psoriasis treatments. These include IL-17 inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors. They have the potential to better control the condition and improve overall quality of life.
Psoriasis and Your Health
As an autoimmune condition, psoriasis can affect multiple body systems. For some patients, this means that they experience other conditions alongside psoriasis.
The National Psoriasis Foundation highlights the following comorbidities:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes
- Mental illnesses like anxiety and depression
For patients with psoriasis, it’s important to receive screening and treatment for these comorbid conditions.
Why Choose Goodskin Dermatology for Psoriasis Care?
Goodskin Dermatology has been around for over two decades. Since our founding, our specialists have helped patients manage skin conditions like psoriasis.
With Medical, Surgical, and Aesthetic Dermatology, our trusted skin health specialists provide powerful treatments for psoriasis. The result is often better skin and quality of life.
You can rely on your physician to work closely with you to create your customized treatment plan. Using one or more FDA-approved treatments, including biologics, our psoriasis dermatologists can help you find relief.
Start Your Psoriasis Treatment at Goodskin Dermatology
Effective psoriasis treatment is available in the Portland area at Goodskin Dermatology.
Our board-certified dermatologists create customized treatment plans designed to manage symptoms, improve skin health, and support your overall well-being.
With convenient locations in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Troutdale, and Beaverton, accessing expert psoriasis care is simple and accessible. We also offer same-day appointments for urgent psoriasis flares, so you can get relief when you need it most.
We are currently welcoming new patients. Schedule an appointment today to take the next step toward clearer, healthier skin.
FAQs About Psoriasis
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious, so it cannot spread from person to person.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
For most people with psoriasis, this skin condition causes thick, scaly patches to appear on the skin. These so-called plaques commonly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.
Can Psoriasis Go Away On Its Own?
No, psoriasis is a chronic condition that typically doesn’t resolve on its own. Without treatment, psoriasis plaques can be intensely itchy and even painful.
Are Biologics Safe for Long-Term Use?
According to the AAD, studies show that biologics can be a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis for years. In fact, biologics work best when taken continuously.
Does Diet Affect Psoriasis?
Yes, your diet can affect psoriasis. In fact, Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights several foods and drinks that can trigger psoriasis. These include alcohol, dairy, refined carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats, and excessive added sugar.