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Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which the cells of the skin multiply much faster than normal. This causes the skin to create bumpy red patches with white scales. These patches can appear anywhere but occur most frequently on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. It is not contagious and does not pass from person to person. Typically, psoriasis appears for the first time in early adulthood. Psoriasis is a chronic disorder and can heal and reappear throughout someone’s life.

Who Gets Psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is multifactorial. It can set in at any age, but the most common age of onset is in the teens and twenties. There seems to be a genetic link to psoriasis, so people with a family history are at a higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

There are several signs of psoriasis. Symptoms to look for include:

  • Plaques of reddened skin
  • Itchiness and pain on the plaques
  • Silver-colored scales on the patches of affected skin
  • Discoloration and pitting in the nails
  • Detachment of the nail from the nailbed
  • Crusting scales on the scalp

Between 10% and 30% of patients with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and swelling in the joints.

What Causes Psoriasis?

There is no known cause of psoriasis, but experts believe it may be due to a combination of immune system issues that lead to inflammation and genetic and environmental triggers. Psoriasis tends to run in families but it often skips generations. Environmental triggers that can lead to psoriasis include:

  • Cuts or scrapes
  • Surgery
  • Stress
  • Strep
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Antimalarials

Patients with a personal or family history of psoriasis should avoid triggers as much as possible.

Related Treatments


Anti-inflammatory Medication

We recommend consulting a specialist to help determine if Anti-Inflammatory Medications are the best treatment option for you. Learn More

Biologic Injections

Biologic injectables (Humira, Enbrel, Taltz, Stelara, Cosentyx) are biologics designed to be injected subcutaneously into the skin. Learn More

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light is a popular therapy used for treating acne. Blue light kills off bacteria on the skin and in the oil glands that cause acne. Learn More

Corticosteroids

A corticosteroid works by suppressing the activity of the immune system and reducing the production of chemicals that create inflammation. Learn More

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is used in a number of conditions where the immune system behaves erratically. Learn More

Intralesional Injection

Intralesional injection is a process whereby a corticosteroid is injected directly into a skin lesion or irregular growth. Learn More

Light Therapy

Originally developed for Navy seals to help wounds heal quicker, light therapy has been shown to be highly therapeutic for skin. Learn More

Narrowband UVB

Narrowband UVB is a form of phototherapy widely used to treat skin diseases. Learn More

Neoral

Neoral, also known as cyclosporine, is in the class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. Learn More

Oral and Topical Medications

Dermatologists are experts in bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the skin and have a deep knowledge of how to best use antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal medications. Learn More

Otezla

Otezla is a prescription pharmaceutical that regulates inflammation within the cells of the body or the skin. Learn More

PHAROS Excimer Laser

PHAROS laser treatment uses a carefully-focused beam of light that is delivered to the skin through a highly-sophisticated fiber optic device. Learn More

PUVA

PUVA is a treatment for the skin that combines ultraviolet light and specific medications. Learn More

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