Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects about eight million people in the United States. Though there are many types of psoriasis, the most common type causes scaly, red patches of itchy skin. Currently, there’s no cure for psoriasis, but you can manage the skin condition and reduce flare-ups with the right care. Samuel Gettler, MD, at Advanced Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, is an expert at diagnosing and treating psoriasis. For patient-centered care from this board-certified dermatologist, call the office in Stamford, Connecticut, or schedule an appointment online today.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition that triggers the skin to regenerate new skin cells at a fast pace. These excess skin cells move to the surface of your skin, creating patchy, scaly areas of skin.
You can develop psoriasis at any age, and it tends to run in cycles with periods of flare-ups followed by periods of clear skin. Researchers are still investigating what causes psoriasis, but they theorize it may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment for psoriasis focuses on minimizing flare-ups and controlling symptoms during them.
There are several types of psoriasis, but some types are more common than others. These types include:
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. With plaque psoriasis, you have thick, raised, red, and scaly patches of skin that usually affect the elbows, knees, lower back, or scalp. These thick patches of skin also tend to be itchy.
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis most often seen in children and young adults. With this type, you develop small circular lesions on the trunk, legs, or arms. A bacterial infection usually triggers guttate psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis causes smooth red patches of burning skin in areas of the body that fold, such as under the arms or breasts.
Pustular psoriasis is uncommon and causes pus-filled lesions that cover the body.
Nail psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects the nails, causing them to be thin, scaly, and pitted.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type. It causes burning, red, peeling patches of skin all over the body.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the connective tissue in the joints.
Dr. Gettler is an expert at treating psoriasis. After conducting a comprehensive history and physical and determining the type of psoriasis you have and the severity of your symptoms, he creates your personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Gettler offers standard of care treatments for psoriasis including:
For expert psoriasis care, call Advanced Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.
