Psoriasis

Psoriasis develops when skin cells reproduce too rapidly, creating thickened, white, scaly patches called plaques. The Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics team provides comprehensive psoriasis assessments and cutting-edge treatments at their offices in Covington and Hammond, Louisiana. Their expertise reduces symptom severity and flare-ups, significantly improving your comfort and quality of life. Call Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics today or schedule a consultation via the online form to receive first-class psoriasis care.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis causes raised pink plaques and silver-white scales to develop because of skin cell overproduction. These plaques can appear anywhere, but the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp are the most likely places.

Your skin might be dry, hot, tight, and/or sore, with itchy, bleeding cracks. Severe psoriasis can cover large areas of skin, causing significant distress and disability.

Are there different types of psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. Some of the many others include:

• Erythrodermic psoriasis
• Scalp psoriasis
• Nail psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis

People with psoriatic arthritis develop chronic joint pain, stiffness, and weakness in addition to skin problems.

Why do I have psoriasis?

Psoriasis is one of the many autoimmune disorders. Your immune system should protect you from infections by identifying and destroying harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria. With autoimmune conditions, your immune system has flaws that trigger an excessive defensive response to healthy cells around your body.

If you have psoriasis, your skin cell production increases. The excessive skin cells build up to create the scaly patches (plaques) typical of this disease. Why this skin overgrowth happens is unclear, but your risk is higher if someone in your family has psoriasis or other autoimmune disorders.

Very often, psoriasis starts or worsens in response to triggers like:

• Stress
• Skin infections
• Cold, dry weather
• Cuts and scrapes
• Bug bites
• Strep throat
• Bad sunburn
• Skin damage
• Smoking

The Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics team helps you identify your triggers and avoid them as far as possible.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatments can’t currently cure psoriasis, but the Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics team helps you optimize symptom management. Approaches that could be in your personalized treatment plan include:

• Topical corticosteroid medication
• Salicylic acid
• Anthralin medication
• Calcipotriene and calcitriol creams containing vitamin D
• Retinoid gel or cream
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Laser or light therapy
• Biologic treatments that target the faulty immune system function

Laser treatments reduce skin cell growth. Treatments are noninvasive and painless, so you won’t need any anesthesia or sedatives.

Patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis might benefit from corticosteroids, methotrexate, or cyclosporine oral medications or injections.

Call Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics today for expert psoriasis treatment, or schedule an appointment via the online booking form.