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Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells that results in scaling on the skin’s surface. The scaling is typically whitish-silver and develops in thick, red patches. Inflammation and redness around the scales is common. 

What is Psoriasis?

Skin cells grow deep in the skin and rise to the surface slowly, eventually falling off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month. This production process may occur in only a few days in people with psoriasis. This means that the skin cells do not have time to fall off, leading to the buildup of skin cells. The scales that form as a result typically form on joints, such as elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, neck, scalp, and face. 

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, causes red, inflamed patches on areas of the skin. They are often covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques, commonly found on the knees, elbows, and scalp. 

Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood and causes small pink dots commonly found on the arms, legs, and torso. 

Pustular psoriasis causes white, pus-filled blisters and broad areas of red, inflamed skin. This type is more common in adults and is usually localized to smaller areas of the body like the hands and feet, but it can be widespread.

Inverse psoriasis causes areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin that develop under breasts or armpits, in the groin, or around skinfolds in the genitals. 

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a very rare, severe type of psoriasis that often covers large sections of the body at once, causing an almost sunburnt appearance. The scales that develop often slough off in large sections and may cause a person to become very ill. It can be life-threatening, so individuals should see a doctor immediately. 

Treatment

Psoriasis can be treated with phototherapy. Even regular doses of sunlight can help psoriasis lesions. Light therapy is recommended for persistent cases of psoriasis that are difficult to treat. Sunlight kills the overactive white bloods cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause the rapid cell growth. Both UVA and UVB light may be helpful in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis. At Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, phototherapy or light therapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision.

Premier Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

For the past three decades, Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has been Delaware’s practice of choice in skin and aesthetic services. Our goal is to address all of your skincare needs under one roof by integrating medical, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic expertise with the highest standards of care and compassion. We are able to provide a comprehensive approach utilizing our different but complementary training backgrounds, philosophies, and techniques, to achieve premier results. Our dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians work collaboratively to integrate treatment plans that help you look and feel your best. Contact us today!

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