Psoriasis

More than 7 million American adults suffer from psoriasis. At Ross Dermatology, medical dermatologists Kim Ross, MD, Ronald Davis, MD, and the team use their expertise and most advanced treatments for psoriasis. Call the nearest office in San Antonio, Seguin, or La Vernia, Texas, to make an appointment or book online today.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, red, scaly patches of skin. This autoimmune disorder can cause flare-ups to appear nearly anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk. 

What are the different types of psoriasis?

There are many types of psoriasis, including:

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes red, inflamed, scaly patches of skin that generally affect the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees. They often develop on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis patches usually form in the shape of drops. This type of psoriasis is most common in children and typically stems from a bacterial infection, like strep throat.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis causes red, inflamed, itchy patches in the folds of the skin, usually in the groin or underneath the breasts and buttocks.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

The rarest type, erythrodermic psoriasis can lead to a widespread rash that affects multiple areas of the skin. 
What are the signs of psoriasis?

The signs of psoriasis typically depend on the type you have, but the most common symptoms are:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Patches that bleed
• Scaly rashes
• Rashes that burn or sting
• Patches that appear red, purple, or gray

While light-skinned individuals typically see red patches of psoriasis, the condition can appear purple or gray on darker skin.

What causes psoriasis?

A rapid overgrowth of skin cells directly causes psoriasis, but a number of triggers can cause flare-ups. Some of the most common psoriasis triggers include:

• Dry, cold weather
• Infections
• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Stress
• Certain medications like beta blockers used to treat hypertension
• Skin injuries
• Sunburns

If you use corticosteroids to manage your condition, stopping them too suddenly can trigger a flare-up.

How is psoriasis different from eczema?

Psoriasis and eczema both cause itchy, red, inflamed patches of skin. However, while psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, eczema can be caused by environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Compared to psoriasis, eczema also tends to be itchier and more prone to infection.

What are the treatments for psoriasis?

The team can create an individualized psoriasis treatment plan that relieves your symptoms and reduces the frequency of flare-ups. The most effective psoriasis treatments are:

• Corticosteroids
• Retinoids
• Salicylic acid
• Light therapy
• Trigger avoidance

To learn more about treatments for psoriasis, make an appointment at Ross Dermatology by calling the nearest office or booking online today.