Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches of skin that come and go over time. Though there is no cure for psoriasis, Frank Samarin, MD, and the team at Mountaintop Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offer many treatment options to minimize your psoriasis flare-ups. For expert care, psoriasis care from a practice that puts your needs first, call the office or request an appointment online.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate, resulting in thick, itchy, scaly patches. The exact cause of psoriasis is still under investigation, but doctors theorize that the condition develops from genetics and environmental factors, which trigger the immune system to overproduce skin cells.

Your scaly, itchy skin may come and go over time. It can affect any part of the body but typically develops on the knees, elbows, scalp, and abdominal area. 

What are psoriasis symptoms?

Psoriasis symptoms vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Red, scaly patches of skin
• Itching, burning, or tenderness
• Dry, cracked skin
• Thick, pitted, or ridged nails

Your skin condition may last a few weeks or a few months and then go away. Your psoriasis may even go into remission. 

Psoriasis may cause genital sores in men, and almost one-third of those with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. 

What happens during a psoriasis evaluation?

Mountaintop Dermatology takes a personalized approach to care, and the specifics of your psoriasis evaluation depend on your unique skin needs. However, you can expect your dermatologist at Mountaintop Dermatology to ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and medical and family history, and evaluate your skin.

Though your dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis during your evaluation, they may conduct a skin biopsy to confirm your skin condition, as well as determine your psoriasis type, which includes:

• Plaque psoriasis
• Nail psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Erythrodermic psoriasis

Mountaintop Dermatology uses the information gathered during your evaluation to develop your treatment plan. 

How is psoriasis treated?

Mountaintop Dermatology develops individualized treatment plans for psoriasis based on the severity of your skin condition. For mild psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription:

• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Creams
• Moisturizers
  
  

Oatmeal baths and sunlight may also improve your skin condition. Mountaintop Dermatology offers phototherapy—a selective form of ultraviolet light—as a treatment option for psoriasis. Phototherapy enhances the effectiveness of your prescription medication treatment.

For severe psoriasis , Mountaintop Dermatology prescribes biologics, medications that reduce the immune response, and your skin flare-ups.

To get relief from your chronic skin condition, call Mountaintop Dermatology today or request an appointment online.