Psoriasis Treatment in Fargo
Psoriasis is a type of chronic inflammatory skin condition that’s fairly common, affecting approximately 7.5 million Americans between the ages of 45 and 64, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Skin cells form constantly and are then pushed up to the surface, where they will eventually die, only to reveal new, healthy skin cells. Psoriasis causes the skin cells to grow too quickly, causing layers of skin to accumulate, forming a flaky white crust. The body’s attempt to nourish the skin causes an increase in blood flow, resulting in redness and inflammation.
There are seven types of psoriasis, including:
- Pustular psoriasis
- Plaque, psoriasis
- Scalp psoriasis
- Nail psoriasis
- Psoriatic psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common, while pustular and erythrodermic are the most severe.
Treatment of Psoriasis
Psoriasis treatment may include topical, oral, and injectable medications, to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and prevent complications.
Corticosteroids are creams that are commonly prescribed to treat psoriasis. These topical steroids help to ease discomfort and reduce inflammation. Topicals are often effective for mild to moderate psoriasis.. Other creams, such as topical retinoids, contain a synthetic form of vitamin A and help by minimizing the production of skin cells. Salicylic acid is commonly found in prescription and over-the-counter topicals used to treat psoriasis and work as a peeling agent. The use of salicylic acid can cause the top layer of skin to shed, softening and lifting psoriasis scales.
There are many other treatment options available that a medical provider will discuss with you. Choosing the right treatment will depend on many factors and may include a combined approach involving oral and topical medications.
Systemic therapy may be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Systemic therapy is meant for patients who are unable to tolerate or were unresponsive topical treatments. Systemic therapy involves the use of prescription medications that work throughout the body.
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What to Expect At Your Visit
If you decide to seek medical treatment for your psoriasis, at Altaire Clinic, you’ll meet with a medical provider to discuss your medical history, your symptoms of psoriasis, and go over any medications you are currently taking.
Next, a medical provider will thoroughly examine your skin and nails and discuss treatment options based on the severity of your condition. Mild and moderate psoriasis may not require treatment that’s as aggressive as what’s required for severe cases.
If you decide to proceed with psoriasis treatment, you will need to schedule a follow-up visit. Unfortunately, there are no one-size-fits-all treatments for psoriasis so multiple visits may be needed to help you manage your symptoms and see significant improvement.
Treatments that work well for one patient may not be as effective for another. Because of this, each treatment is personalized for every patient, based on many factors.
Types Of Psoriasis
ERYTHRODERMIC PSORIASIS
A person with erythrodermic psoriasis will suffer from an itchy red rash all over their body that resembles burned skin. In many cases, the rash will cover 75% of the body. With this severe disease, the skin may slough off in large sheets, damaging the skin’s protective function.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis consists of pus-filled bumps surrounded by redness. Triggers of pustular psoriasis include stress, systemic steroids, pregnancy, infections, excessive exposure to UV rays, certain medications, and irritating substances. A person has generalized pustular psoriasis when the bumps cover large areas of the body. Generalized pustular psoriasis often occurs after a patient has another type of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis.
PLAQUE PSORIASIS
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common type and it appears as inflamed, raised scaly patches of itchy skin that can be painful and may sting. The color of these patches of skin may be dark brown, gray, or red. These plaques can also be found anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the knees, scalp, torso, and elbows. Skin trauma, tobacco or alcohol use, infections, certain medications, and stress, are common triggers.
Depending on the type of psoriasis a patient has and the severity of the condition, psoriasis in patients may cause:
- Dry Skin
- Skin irritation
- Patches of red, scaly, and itchy skin
- Inflammation
These patches of inflamed skin are referred to as plaques and typically affect the back, scalp, feet, elbows, knees, and hands, however, some people with psoriasis may experience plaque growth on their toenails and fingernails as well. Psoriatic lesions may be inflamed, painful, and uncomfortable.
Risk Factors of Living With Psoriasis
The progression of psoriasis varies, depending on the person affected. Patients with psoriasis may only experience a few plaques on their skin at a time, while others regularly deal with severe symptoms.
Psoriasis symptoms often come and go. A flare-up can be caused by stress, dry weather, cold weather, infections, weight, alcohol, smoking, certain medications, or Can Psoriasis be Cured?
Psoriasis is an incurable autoimmune disease. However, managing your psoriasis is possible. The effective treatment of psoriasis often involves learning what triggers the disease, seeking medical care as soon as possible, and using medications as directed. At Altaire Clinic, a medical provider can work with you to create a treatment program that can help you manage your symptoms, provide the relief you need, and improve the appearance of your skin. Adults with psoriasis often struggle with the emotional effects caused by the disease. Fortunately, there are many therapies for psoriasis available that can reduce symptoms, which can help you look and feel better.
Make An Appointment
If you’re ready to seek treatment that can help you manage your psoriasis and improve your quality of life and the way you look and feel, contact Altaire Clinic today at (701)-809-9369. You can also schedule a consult by filling out the contact form on our website.
At Altaire Clinic, our medical providers have made patient care and skin health their top priority. Our practice is built around our commitment to helping each patient enjoy the highest quality of care that can help them achieve their wellness goals. Our providers are proud to be part of your skincare journey and look forward to meeting with you to find out how they can address your skincare needs.
Common Questions About Psoriasis
When skin cells are replaced too quickly, psoriasis can occur. It’s unknown why this happens, however, research has suggested that it’s caused by an issue with the immune system.
Unfortunately, psoriasis is a chronic, incurable condition. For many people, the disease fluctuates and some people may not experience flare-ups for years at a time. For others, managing their psoriasis can be a challenge. Learning what triggers flare-ups and managing the condition is key.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, medication, combined with lifestyle changes can help a person manage symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups.
Fortunately, many insurance providers cover psoriasis treatments. However, coverage can vary. To learn if your insurance will cover the total cost of the psoriasis treatment, contact Altraire Clinic today.
Contact Us
We encourage you to book a consultation, so one of our providers can personally discuss your needs and recommend the procedures best suited to your lifestyle. Contact us by phone or use the convenient form below so you can reach your ultimate health, wellness, & beauty goals.