Over 7 million people are affected by psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by cracked, scaly skin. The inflamed, red, and raised skin can cause significant pain and embarrassment. However, thanks to advances in medicine that led to an improvement in understanding the inflammatory pathways of psoriasis, affected patients now have access to improved treatment options.
Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Solomon Brickman of the Houston Laser Skin Center has extensive experience in helping psoriasis patients. While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, Dr. Brickman can prescribe various treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.
Before we get into the treatments, let’s discuss causes as well as the different types of psoriasis.
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is considered an immune-system disorder with genetic and environmental components. It involves the immune system’s T cells, which mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. The extra skin cells pile up on the skin’s surface, leading to psoriasis.
It is non-contagious—you cannot catch it contact. However, it is still not widely understood how psoriasis develops. Nevertheless, psoriasis is known to run in families—in other words, if someone in your family has developed psoriasis, you are at a higher risk of getting it.
Various everyday things can trigger psoriasis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, these triggers include:
- Stress
- Skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn
- Infection, such as strep throat
- Some medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
- Weather, especially cold, dry weather
- Tobacco
- Alcohol (heavy drinking)
These can also lead to flare-ups.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
Psoriasis can manifest in different forms. Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, you should consult a dermatologist such as Houston’s Dr. Brickman before the condition gets worse.
Plaque
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. This condition affects about 80% of patients. It appears as raised red lesions covered in silvery-white scales, primarily on the knees, scalp, elbows, and back.
Guttate
Guttate psoriasis, known for its small red spots on the torso and limbs, typically appears during childhood or early adulthood. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can trigger it.
Inverse
Bright-red lesions develop in skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts are signs of inverse psoriasis. Sweat and friction often worsen the pain and irritation.
Pustular
Triggered by medication, ultraviolet light, pregnancy, or infection, pustular psoriasis results in white, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red areas of skin.
Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that causes generalized redness and scaling over a large area of the body. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences.
Nail
Thickened and yellow nails with visible pitting are characteristic of nail psoriasis.
Psoriatic Arthritis:
Around one-third of patients also experience psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint stiffness and pain. Left untreated, this can lead to permanent, irreversible joint damage.
What psoriasis treatments are available?
While psoriasis is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed. Psoriasis treatments are aimed at reducing inflammation and normalizing skin cell production. Your individualized treatment plan will be based upon the type of psoriasis you are diagnosed with as well as the extent of your symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
Topical treatments, including ointments containing vitamin D, corticosteroids, or topical retinoids can effectively address mild to moderate symptoms by targeting skin-cell growth and inflammation.
Phototherapy treatments, which feature exposure to natural sunlight or narrowband Ultraviolet-B light (NBUVB) can slow down the production of skin cells, improving the overall appearance of the skin.
Oral medications such as vitamin A, apremilast, methotrexate, or cyclosporine may be prescribed to help calm symptoms in the most severe cases.
Biologic medications, administered via injection or IV infusion, are highly effective in treating plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They work by blocking specific parts of the immune system responsible for plaque formation or joint damage. Most biologics can be self-injected at home after training by your dermatologist.
In addition to medical treatments, maintaining a regular skincare routine of gentle cleansing and moisturizing can help reduce symptoms. Avoiding triggers such as alcohol, stress, smoking, and keeping affected areas covered during sleep can also minimize irritation.
Request an appointment about your psoriasis at our Houston clinic
If you are dealing with psoriasis, treatment is absolutely necessary. Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Solomon Brickman has helped numerous Houstonians manage their psoriasis symptoms. Our clinic on FM 1960 West is close to Jersey Village, Cypress, Spring, Copperfield, Fairfield, and other Northwest Houston communities. Request an appointment today.