If you’re suffering from psoriasis, you’re not alone. Nearly 7.5 million people in the United States suffer from this common skin disease, most of whom have suffered from it their entire life. Psoriasis is a term that encompasses a group of chronic dermatological disorders that affect any part of the body but most frequently affect the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitals. Most cases of psoriasis involve an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling, and crusting of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious and is triggered when the immune system mistakenly activates a type of white blood cell known as the T cell. This causes skin cells to grow faster than normal and the body does not shed the excess cells so they begin to form on the surface of the skin. There are a variety of triggers that cause the body to start producing skin cells too quickly such as stress, strep throat, winter weather, or severe sunburns.
There are many treatments for psoriasis depending on the type and severity of the symptoms. Read about some of the psoriasis treatment options that Paloma Dermatology offers below, and schedule an appointment to find the best treatment option for you.