Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that presents with pink, raised, dry and scaly plaques on the skin. Psoriasis patients create new skin cells in days versus weeks, resulting in areas of raised skin patches, also called plaques. There are multiple kinds of psoriasis and different levels of symptoms. Dr. Katherine Chiang at Precision Medical Specialists is a highly-respected dermatologist who offers advanced dermatology options in psoriasis treatment at our facility near West Palm Beach.
Causes, Symptoms and Types of Psoriasis
There are multiple subtypes of psoriasis, including classic plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis. Each type may have different symptoms and treatment options, but almost all types are a life-long condition. The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is hereditary, and it is an autoimmune disorder, causing the body to attack its own skin cells. Symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Dry, thick patches of skin (plaques)
- Plaques on knees, elbows, back and scalp
- White itchy skin on plaques
- Small, pink scaly bumps (guttate psoriasis)
- Smooth, red, painful skin patches (inverse psoriasis)
- Red skin with pus-filled, painful bumps (pustular psoriasis)
A minority of psoriasis patients will also have a type of joint pain called psoriatic arthritis. It is very important to treat psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage. It is also very important to treat psoriasis to reduce the systemic inflammation that can increase the patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Chiang has treated some of the most complex psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients with great success. Treatment includes topical and injectable anti-inflammatory agents, oral systemic medication (tablets), phototherapy and biologic injections. To begin treatment, Dr. Chiang will first complete a comprehensive examination and diagnosis to determine the exact type of psoriasis and best treatment plan for the individual patient. Due to various factors, every psoriasis treatment needs to be tailored to the patient to achieve the desired results.
If you have symptoms of psoriasis, do not wait to seek treatment. Beginning the right treatment plan can reduce your outbreaks and risks of other health complications. Contact us at Precision Medical Specialists to schedule a psoriasis consultation with Dr. Chiang at our medical center in Wellington, Florida.