We offer psoriasis treatment at Vujevich Dermatology Associates.
What is psoriasis?
You may have seen ads or commercials about this condition, but what is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects approximately 7.5 million people in the United States alone. It causes skin cells to multiply 10 times faster than necessary. This causes skin cells to build up, leading to bumpy red patches and scaly white skin. While psoriasis can affect any area of skin, the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back are most often affected.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are many types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. Types of psoriasis include:
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Plaque psoriasis
As the most common type of psoriasis, approximately 6.7 million adults in the US are affected. People with plaque psoriasis develop plaques of red skin that often have silver-colored scales covering them. The plaques are often itchy and painful and become cracked and bloody. There are three severity levels of plaque psoriasis: mild (less than 3% of the body covered), moderate (3-10% of the body affected), and severe (more than 10% of the body affected).
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Inverse psoriasis
Shiny lesions occur with inverse psoriasis. These lesions appear bright red on lighter skin tones and purple-ish on darker skin tones. Common areas affected include the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Most people who have inverse psoriasis also have one of the other types of psoriasis at the same time.
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Guttate psoriasis
While most types of psoriasis begin in adulthood, guttate psoriasis begins in childhood or young adulthood. Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small red spots that are teardrop-shaped and appear on the limbs and torso. Less than one third of people diagnosed with psoriasis have this type of psoriasis.
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Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis can sometimes be misdiagnosed as pustular acne as they appear similar. Pustular psoriasis can be identified by red and scaly skin that develops tiny pustules that appear on your hands and soles of your feet. About 3% of people with psoriasis will develop pustular psoriasis.
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Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is an uncommon type of psoriasis. When erythrodermic psoriasis occurs, your skin becomes fiery red, and you shed sheets of skin. If you think you have erythrodermic psoriasis, seek medical care immediately as you can become severely ill without treatment. This type of psoriasis typically only affects people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis Causes
Each type of psoriasis has a different cause, although many healthcare professionals believe a compromised immune system is part of it. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be caused by sunburns, infections, and medications. Stopping your current psoriasis treatment can also cause erythrodermic psoriasis to occur. Guttate psoriasis can be caused by many things, including strep throat, tonsillitis, stress, respiratory infections, and certain medications, such as antimalarial medication or beta-blockers.
Common causes that trigger inverse psoriasis include starting and stopping medications, injury to the skin, stress, and friction on deep skin folds. Plaque psoriasis is often triggered by skin injury, dry skin, excessive sun exposure, and certain lotions and creams. Pustular psoriasis can be caused by infections, overexposure to UV light, and pregnancy.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. However, multiple people in your family may have been diagnosed with psoriasis. Psoriasis most often occurs in adults and patches can heal and return throughout your life.
Psoriasis treatment options
Psoriasis is a skin condition that requires medical dermatology treatment. The goal of psoriasis treatment is to stop skin cells from growing so quickly, as well as removing scales. Psoriasis treatment options include creams and ointments, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.
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Psoriasis Cream and Ointment
There are many creams and ointments that are used in psoriasis treatment. Corticosteroids are most often used when treating mild or moderate psoriasis. While available as a cream or ointment, corticosteroids are also available as gels, sprays, and shampoos. During an active flare up, corticosteroids are applied once a day. Once in remission, application of corticosteroids may be reduced to every other day or on weekends only.
Synthetic forms of Vitamin D are also used to slow skin cell growth. Vitamin D can be used alone, as well as in conjunction with topical corticosteroids. Retinoids can also be used, but common side effects include skin irritation and increased light sensitivity.
Calcineurin inhibitors are used to reduce inflammation and plaque buildup, especially in areas considered thin skin, like around the eyes. It is not recommended to use calcineurin inhibitors for long term psoriasis treatment. Salicylic acid and coal tar can be used to reduce scaling that occurs.
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Light Therapy
Light therapy is often the first psoriasis treatment option implemented for moderate to severe psoriasis. As excessive exposure to light can trigger psoriasis, it’s important to work with your dermatologist to determine the best amount of exposure to keep light therapy effective.
Light therapy may include brief, daily exposure to the sun. UVB broadband and narrowband are artificial sources of light therapy. In many psoriasis treatment centers, UVB narrowband therapy has replaced UVB broadband therapy. Your dermatologist can help determine which UVB therapy will be the most effective psoriasis treatment option.
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Psoriasis Medication
If other psoriasis treatment options have not produced results, your dermatologist may prescribe psoriasis medication. Steroids are often used to treat small, persistent psoriasis patches. Retinoids, in pill form, can be used to slow the production of the skin.
Methotrexate decreases skin cell production and suppresses inflammation. However, if taken long term, blood counts and liver function need to be monitored. Cyclosporine is taken orally to suppress the immune system, but it cannot be taken for more than a year at a time.
Biologics are often injected to aid the immune system in disrupting the disease cycle. Biologics are often prescribed for people who have not responded to first-line psoriasis treatment options. Other psoriasis medications, such as thioguanine and hydroxyurea, are prescribed to reduce itching when other medications cannot be prescribed.
Is there a Psoriasis Treatment Center in Pittsburgh?
Yes, there is a Psoriasis Treatment Center in Pittsburgh. Here at Vujevich Dermatology Associates, we have a state-of-the-art Psoriasis Treatment Center that provides the latest psoriasis treatment options and psoriatic arthritis treatment options. To help improve the quality of life of those managing psoriasis, we offer novel therapies and tailor psoriasis treatment to the individual.
Psoriasis occurs throughout your life and can require changes in treatment. You and your dermatologist can develop a treatment plan that is individualized to your type of psoriasis and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss the best way to manage your psoriasis.