Psoriasis in Clemmons, NC
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune condition which causes your body to produce an excess of skin cells too quickly. It is a common condition and should be treated by a dermatologist.
Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis
The production of excess skin cells causes skin patches to develop on the scalp, elbows, behind the knees, and other areas. These patches can itch, sometimes severely, and they often appear scaly, red, or white.
Severity of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is classified by severity, according to how much of your body is involved. The classifications of psoriasis are:
- Mild psoriasis, which is psoriasis that has affected less than 3% of your body
- Moderate psoriasis, which is psoriasis that has affected 3% to 10% of your body
- Severe psoriasis, which is psoriasis that has affected over 10% of your body
How Psoriasis is Treated
Your dermatologist will treat psoriasis, considering how severe the psoriasis is, and how much of your body is involved. Treatment options include:
- Prescription moisturizing creams, shampoos, and bath treatments
- Topical steroid treatments to reduce itching and slow down skin cell growth
- Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to eliminate psoriasis patches
- Prescription oral medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate to reduce skin cell production and decrease inflammation
- Biologic drugs to suppress the immune system and reduce psoriasis breakouts
Managing Psoriasis Triggers
Psoriasis breakouts can be reduced by avoiding psoriasis triggers. Common psoriasis triggers include:
- Experiencing stress
- Developing an illness
- Having a skin injury
- Excessive exposure to sun
- Excessive exposure to cold or dry weather
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Experiencing hormonal changes
Want To Know More About Psoriasis?
You can get relief from psoriasis and enjoy clear skin again. To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, treatment, and management of psoriasis, call dermatology professionals Beth and Scott Gurley at Clemmons Dermatology in Clemmons, NC. You can reach them in the office by calling (336) 979-4499, so call today.