About 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, a skin disorder characterized by scaly, itchy, and thickened plaques that form in various areas of the body. At Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center in Santa Monica, California, board-certified dermatologist Paul Yamauchi, MD, PhD, is a thought leader in psoriasis and can help you manage this sometimes debilitating condition. To learn more about how you can manage psoriasis and minimize its effect on your overall well-being, call to set up an appointment or schedule online today.
Psoriasis Q & A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that’s related to the functioning of your immune system. Your body accelerates the speed at which it creates skin cells and they don’t shed normally. Instead, they pile up on the surface of your skin and cause scaly plaques.
Psoriasis is usually not life-threatening, but it can seriously affect your quality of life. You may feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, leading to negative impacts at work, at school, and in relationships.
You may also socially isolate yourself due to your condition. This is why it’s important to seek medical care to have your psoriasis managed.
What are the types of psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis, including:
Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis. It’s characterized by raised, reddish patches on areas like your elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, and extremities.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis can show up as small, red spots anywhere on your body.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis causes areas of swollen skin dotted with pus-filled bumps.
Inverse psoriasis
This type of psoriasis usually develops in places where skin rubs against skin, such as in the armpits or around the groin. The patches are raw, red, and uncomfortable.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
People with unstable plaque psoriasis may develop erythrodermic psoriasis, a serious form of the skin condition. Your skin looks bright red and looks burned, causing severe itching and pain.
Psoriatic arthritis
About 30% of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, toes, spine, and other joints.
How is psoriasis managed?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, but symptoms can be successfully managed. At Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center, treatments include topical creams like hydrocortisone, Dovonex®, and Tazorac®.
People with severe psoriasis may undergo UV light therapy and UV laser treatments using Lumenis® B-Clear, a narrow-band UVB laser. Oral medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and Soriatane® are also effective in treating psoriasis.
Cutting-edge treatments for psoriasis include biologic agents made up of monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins. These are very safe and effective ways to treat psoriatic disease. Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center uses Cosentyx®, Taltz®, Tremfya®, and Skyrizi® and Stelara® to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
If you have psoriasis, come to Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center for care. Call or use the online tool to set up your appointment today.
