What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis causes your body to make new skin cells too quickly. As a result, cells pile up on top of one another, before they ever get a chance to shed away. These effects can lead to a wide variety of symptoms including:
- Scaly skin
- Silvery patches
- Raised skin plaques
- Tiny red or pink bumps
- Small pus-filled bumps
Up to 90% of psoriasis sufferers have plaque psoriasis, which tends to cause thickened patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back. But psoriasis can certainly flare up anywhere on your body.
Plus, when you have psoriasis, you can experience widespread inflammation. You may find that you have sore joints, heel pain, or stiffness first thing in the morning.
Why do I have psoriasis?
Psoriasis is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. This chronic skin condition stems from genetics and immune system abnormalities. When you have psoriasis, white blood cells known as T-cells start attacking your body’s skin cells for unknown reasons.
Because your skin cells are under attack, they start producing more and more skin cells. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, so it’s important to understand what triggers it. Your psoriasis can flare up because of:
- Stress
- Infections
- Tobacco use
- Colder weather
- Skin injuries, including sunburn
No matter what’s causing your psoriasis or how minor or severe your symptoms may be, you have options for relief at Integrated Dermatology of Waterbury.
Can I get treatment for psoriasis?
Yes. At Integrated Dermatology of Waterbury, you can meet with a board-certified dermatologist who provides the most innovative psoriasis treatments. After evaluating your skin and talking with you about your psoriasis symptoms, our doctor can get you started on treatment, which may include:
- Retinoid ointments
- Corticosteroid creams
- Topical or oral Vitamin D
- Phototherapy (light therapy)
- Specialized moisturizers
You may also be a candidate for biologic drugs. This advanced type of psoriasis treatment, given via injections or intravenous (IV) infusion, involves targeting a very specific part of your immune system.
Biologics block your T-cell function, as well as certain proteins, so your psoriasis symptoms gradually start to improve. In any case, our doctor spends time evaluating you to ensure you’re getting the best type of psoriasis treatment for your specific condition.
Before struggling with psoriasis another day, book an evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of Waterbury. Request an appointment online, or call the clinic directly to book your psoriasis exam.
