Over 7.5 million people live with psoriasis in the United States and 100 million worldwide. Although it impacts only 2-3% of the total population this chronic condition can be difficult to cope with affecting physical, mental, and social well-being.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, causes lesions of inflamed skin covered with silvery-white scales that can be painful and itchy, often cracking and bleeding.
Psoriasis occurs due to skin cells maturing rapidly. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days. However, a psoriatic skin cell matures in three to four days. As these skin cells quickly develop and pile up, they form scaly lesions. Psoriasis is typically seen on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back, although it can occur anywhere, including the genitals, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.
Patients with mild psoriasis typically have a few lesions limited to certain areas of the body, whereas patients with moderate to severe cases can see widespread lesions.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Although the cause of psoriasis is not completely understood, it is considered to be an immune system problem, it tends to run in families.
You can visit the American Academy of Dermatology website to learn about these findings. Once you’ve identified the triggers that cause your psoriasis symptoms to flare up, you can take steps to avoid these triggers or make modifications in your daily life to lessen their intensity.
Who Can Get Psoriasis?
Anyone can develop psoriasis at any age, although it is most often seen in patients between the ages of 15 and 35. Some studies suggest that psoriasis may also impact people of color more than initially believed.
Can Psoriasis Be Cured?
A cure for psoriasis does not exist, but treatment options that clear the condition for periods of time do.
From various topical medications to oral and injected (biologics) medications and light therapy, numerous options are available for treating psoriasis today. A board-certified dermatologist can recommend a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you.
Psoriasis Triggers & Why They Matter
A dermatology provider can also help you identify your psoriasis triggers to prevent flare-ups. Common triggers include…
- Stress and anxiety.
- Skin injuries.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Shaving.
- Dry, cold weather.
- Sunlight and heat.
- Certain medications.
- Tattoos and piercings.
- Infections like strep throat or earaches.
Essential Skincare Tips for People Living with Psoriasis
Being proactive by taking good care of your skin on a daily basis is a great way to avoid psoriasis flare-ups and skin irritation. Here are some of our dermatologist-recommended tips to help you get started…
- Limit showering and baths to once per day.
- Avoid hot water and only bathe using warm water.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps, moisturizers, and deodorants for sensitive skin.
- Be gentle with your hair care routine, avoiding tight styles, coloring, perming, and relaxing as much as possible.
- Use itch-relief products containing menthol or camphor as needed.
- Relieve itchiness with a cool compress.
- Keep your nails short, wear gloves when washing dishes, and avoid trimming or pushing your cuticles back if you have nail psoriasis.
If you have questions or concerns about how to best care for your skin while living with psoriasis, be sure to ask your dermatologist.
Psoriasis Skin Care You Can Trust
At Deerfield Dermatology, our skilled providers take caring for your skin to a whole new level with world-class expertise and years of delivering compassionate patient experiences.
If psoriasis is your concern, we’d love to help you find a treatment plan that’ll relieve your discomfort, ease your mind and get you back to loving the skin you’re in!
Call or schedule an appointment online with any of our experienced dermatology providers today! (847)-480-0004
