PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition which consists of red scaly patches commonly on the elbows, knees, and back. Other areas such as the scalp, feet, hands, legs, arms and abdomen can also be involved. It can range from mild to severe and often gets worse with the passage of time. The most common type is plaque psoriasis which consists of red raised patches with white silvery scale. Other types of psoriasis include guttate psoriasis which appears as small red teardrop spots usually, affecting children and young adults. Guttate psoriasis frequently occurs after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat. Other types include pustular psoriasis, inverse, psoriatic arthritis and erythrodermic.

Your dermatology professional at Modern Dermatology of KY will evaluate your skin lesions to diagnose. A skin biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

How to treat Psoriasis

There are many different treatment options. While it cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Those who have a mild case consisting of small patches can be effectively treated with topical prescription steroid creams, cold tar preparations or calcipotriene. Those with moderate to severe psoriasis may need ultraviolet light therapy or biologic medications such as methotrexate, Enbrel, Humira, Stelara, Cosentyx or Taltz. Biologic medications are injections that are able to halt various immune responses involved with psoriasis. Biologic treatment is not for everyone and your dermatology professional at Modern Dermatology of KY can determine which treatment is right for you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Office locations in Lexington, KY; London, KY; Paris, KY; Pikeville, KY and Richmond, KY.