Psoriasis IN Burbank, CA

What is it?

Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic and non-contagious disorder that can affect any area of the body in various forms. The most commonly affected areas include the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitals. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a persistent, long-lasting (chronic) disease. You may have periods when your psoriasis symptoms improve or go into remission alternating with times your psoriasis worsens.

Acute psoriasis on the elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease. Large red, inflamed, flaky rash on the knees. Joints affected by psoriatic arthritis | Kay Dermatology in Burbank, CA

Several types of psoriasis exist. These include:

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin lesions covered with silvery scales. The plaques itch or may be painful and can occur anywhere on your body, including your genitals and the soft tissue inside your mouth. You may have just a few plaques or many, and in severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

Guttate Psoriasis

This primarily affects people younger than 30 and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, water-drop-shaped sores on your trunk, arms, legs and scalp. The sores are covered by a fine scale and aren’t as thick as typical plaques are. You may have a single outbreak that goes away on its own, or you may have repeated episodes, especially if you have ongoing respiratory infections.

Inverse Psoriasis

Mainly affecting the skin in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals, inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It’s more common in overweight people and is worsened by friction and sweating.

Pustular Psoriasis

This uncommon form of psoriasis can occur in widespread patches or in smaller areas on your hands, feet or fingertips. It generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender. The blisters dry within a day or two but may reappear every few days or weeks. Generalized pustular psoriasis can also cause fever, chills, severe itching and fatigue.

FAQ'S

Although a cause has not directly been linked to psoriasis, research indicates that some disease triggers can include emotional stress, skin injury, infections, and certain medications. Some people are born with a genetic tendency and are predisposed to the condition, although not everyone with psoriasis has a family history of the condition. Further research attributes the condition to the abnormality of white blood cells in the blood stream that triggers inflammation. This inflammation may also be associated with arthritic, cardiovascular disease if the patient has diabetes mellitus type II.

The best way to prevent the onset of psoriasis is to moisturize regularly, avoid excessive sunlight, take care of your body to avoid infections, reduce emotional and physical stress and monitor any prescription drugs for possible side effects.

Psoriasis can be treated with the use of laser phototherapy or topical agents. The Laser safely and effectively treats psoriasis. The delivers a precisely targeted, high dose of ultraviolet light to psoriatic lesions through a hand piece that rests directly on the skin. It is ideal for reaching hard-to-treat areas such as knees, elbows, scalp and successfully treats patients with mild to moderate conditions. It is FDA approved and treatments are covered by most insurance companies.

Another treatment may be the use a UVB light box. This light therapy or phototherapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision. Present in natural sunlight, UVB is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. Treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial UVB light source for a set length of time on a regular schedule.

Topical agents such as anthralin, coal tar, Vitamin A and Vitamin D derivatives and steroids may be used alone to treat moderate forms of psoriasis but are often combined with light therapy and agents such as antimetabolite drugs and retinoids to treat advanced psoriasis. Most treatments take about five to seven minutes, twice a week, for a few weeks. After six to 10 treatments, most patients enjoy clearing and find results typically last four to six months. Although psoriasis is rarely cured, effective treatment can provide successful partial or full remissions for long periods of time. Follow-ups and reassessments are a big part of effective psoriasis treatment. Severe psoriasis may require oral medications.

Moderate to severe psoriasis is now often treated with one of the newer medications, called “biologics”. These are administered by injections every other week or even less often by the patient or in the office with a nurse (nearly painless). These newer treatments can clear almost anybody’s psoriasis lesions safely. Periodic blood test and Tb testing are required as a precaution. An even newer treatment involves a tablet called Otezla. Your Dermatologist needs to fully evaluate your psoriasis condition before deciding which regimen of treatment would be most appropriate for your problem.
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