Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes painful, itchy skin lesions, and negatively affects the daily lives of as many as 7.5 million Americans. If you’re having trouble managing psoriasis and it impacts the quality of your life, the team at Comprehensive Dermatology provides patients of all ages in Woodmere and Westbury, New York, and the surrounding communities with the highest standard of care and psoriasis treatments. Their skilled team can help you get psoriasis under control long term, so you can focus on your life rather than your condition. Call the nearest or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.

What is psoriasis?

Although it manifests as a skin condition, psoriasis is a chronic disease of the autoimmune system. If you have psoriasis, your body produces skin cells too rapidly, so they build up on the surface of your skin. Psoriasis patches look like red, scaly areas of skin that can be painful and itchy. 

These patches vary in size and can cover a large area of your body, depending on the severity of your condition. Psoriasis most often appears on your knees, scalp, elbows, or back. You can get psoriasis anywhere on your body, and there’s no cure, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. 

What are the symptoms of psoriasis? 

There are several different types of psoriasis, so your symptoms may vary based on the type. The most common form of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis, and symptoms include:

• Dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques)
• Plaques covered in silvery scales
• Painful, dry, itchy skin
• Burning and irritation around the plaques

You can also get nail psoriasis that affects your fingernails and toenails, causing them to become discolored and pitted. Scalp psoriasis usually appears on your forehead and can extend into your hair, behind your ears, or to the back of your neck along your hairline. 

Other types of psoriasis have symptoms that look like a rash of red water droplets (guttate psoriasis), or areas of smooth, red, inflamed skin in your armpits, under your breasts, or around your genitals (inverse psoriasis). Less common forms of psoriasis can cause a full-body rash or painful, swollen joints. 

How does a dermatologist treat psoriasis?

At Comprehensive Dermatology, the team offers the latest comprehensive treatments to help you manage symptoms and reduce the number of psoriasis flare-ups. Their providers take a whole-person approach to your individualized treatment plan. They may prescribe creams for mild forms of psoriasis or a combination of medications and topical ointments for more severe cases. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and managing stress can reduce symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. Your provider may also recommend laser or light therapies, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.

If you or a family member need help controlling psoriasis symptoms and managing flare-ups, call the Comprehensive Dermatology office or book an appointment online to get long-term relief.