Psoriasis is known for plaques that are itchy, painful, and take a toll on your overall health, self-esteem, and quality of life. When you need comprehensive care for psoriasis, the board-certified dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology in North Richland Hills, Texas, have compassion and years of experience in developing customized treatments that meet your unique skin care needs. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking tool or call the office today.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that develops when skin cells grow more rapidly than normal. Due to their fast growth, they build up on the skin’s surface, causing patches of red, scaly plaques.
Though psoriasis can appear at any age, it tends to first appear in two specific age groups: 15-20 and adults between the ages of 55-60 years.
The symptoms you develop depend on the type of psoriasis:
Plaque Psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, causes red, raised patches of skin covered with a scaly buildup of dry skin cells. These plaques are painful and itchy and often crack and bleed. Plaques usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Guttate Psoriasis
The second most common type, guttate psoriasis, causes small, red lesions. This type often affects children or adolescents and may be triggered by a strep infection.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis appears in body folds, causing red, inflamed lesions that appear under your arm, behind your knee, or in your groin.
Pustular Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis causes blisters of pus that are surrounded by red skin.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This is a rare type of psoriasis that causes redness, severe itching, and pain over most of your body.
After reviewing your medical history and performing a complete examination, Northstar Dermatology begins your treatment by identifying your triggers and creating a plan to avoid them so you can prevent flare-ups.
Your overall treatment includes:
Topical Therapy
Topical treatments include moisturizers and medications that help relieve itching and reduce plaque buildup.
Phototherapy
Blue light therapy and excimer laser therapy improve psoriasis. Excimer lasers deliver a safe, therapeutic beam of UV light that precisely targets areas of psoriasis.
Oral Medications
Northstar Dermatology reserves oral medications for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis that don’t respond to other treatments. Several medications are available to decrease inflammation and skin cell production.
For comprehensive care for psoriasis, call Northstar Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.
