Clear, healthy skin may appear elusive for patients suffering from psoriasis. With unpredictable breakouts and persistent symptoms, this chronic skin condition might feel unmanageable. In reality, it can be controlled with the right medication/treatments. Dr. Susan Schroeder has extensive experience diagnosing and treating psoriasis in all age groups. She works with each patient to customize and refine an effective plan to bring psoriasis relief.
Types of psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque ā The most common, characterized by scaly, silvery patches of skin.
- Guttateā Drop-shaped, red spots on the skin, usually triggered by an infection or medical condition.
- Inverse ā Also called flexural and appears as flat, shiny, red areas in natural skin folds.
- Pustular ā Red areas with white pus-filled bumps, sometimes accompanied by chills or fever.
- Erythrodermic ā A rare form that resembles burns and may require urgent medical care.
Treatment
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to reduce inflammation and normalize the accelerated cell production that causes psoriatic plaques. Options include:
- Topicals ā There are a wide variety of formulas that can be applied to the skin, including synthetic vitamin D, corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and salicylic acid.
- Light therapy ā Targeted UVA or UVB treatment can improve psoriasis symptoms with minimal risk. Light treatments are both safer and more effective than natural sunlight.
- Injectables and oral medications ā Retinoids, biologics, or immunosuppressants may work for patients who do not respond to other treatments. Some examples of these systemic psoriasis treatments include Humira, Stelara, Enbrel, Otezla, Methotrexate, and Soriatane.
Clear, healthy skin can be a reality with help from your board-certified dermatologist.
