Psoriasis

Psoriasis in Wesley Chapel, FL

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a genetic condition that causes your immune system to tell your skin cells to grow rapidly. Instead of regenerating every few weeks, new cells grow in days and pile up, causing patches of scaly skin to appear.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

You recognize psoriasis by the plaques: formations of red skin, often covered with silvery scales. These plaques may be itchy, even painful – and sometimes they crack and bleed. Scratching the plaques can cause them to thicken.

If you have psoriasis, you may also develop disorders of your fingers and toenails. The nails may pit, crumble, detach from the nail bed, or become discolored.

Approximately 10-30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, which leads to pain and swelling in the joints.

Where does psoriasis occur?

Psoriasis patches most commonly occur on the lower back, elbows, knees, and scalp. Sometimes isolated areas of plaques grow together to cover a large area.

What are the types of psoriasis?

Psoriasis can manifest as several different types. Plaque psoriasis, as described above, is common. You may have more than one of the following, too:

• Pustular psoriasis, which involves red and scaly skin on the palms of the hands or feet
• Guttate psoriasis targets your torso and limbs with small, red spots
• Inverse psoriasis is characterized by bright, shiny patches that mainly occur in the folds of your skin
• Erythrodermic psoriasis usually results in fiery, red skin and shedding of sheets of scales

What triggers psoriasis?

Psoriasis often worsens in response to specific triggers. These triggers differ for everyone, but may include:

• Skin infections or strep throat
• Stress
• Excessive alcohol consumption or smoking
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Skin injuries, including sunburns or cuts and scrapes
• Certain medications

How is psoriasis treated?

Because psoriasis is a condition of the immune system, it cannot be cured. Dr. Tadicherla can help you learn how to manage it and its sometimes disfiguring, painful symptoms. She does her best to reduce the signs and symptoms of psoriasis, so you feel better. Some people even see their skin clear completely.

Therapies that can be successful include:

• Topical steroids
• Phototherapy
• Oral medications
• Injectables

Lifestyle changes, including daily baths and proper moisturizing, can also help keep symptoms at bay.

If you’re suffering from psoriasis symptoms, call the Wesley Chapel Dermatology office at (813) 606-4144 or make an appointment to see Dr. Tadicherla using the online booking agent today.