Psoriasis skin condition
Psoriasis is a common skin disease in which red and scaly patches occur on the body, especially on the elbows, knees and hairy head. The nails can also be affected, and sometimes there are joint complaints. The word psoriasis is derived from the Greek psore that means ‘scale’. Hereditary predisposition plays an important role in the development. In addition, other factors, such as infections, damage to the skin and medicines can provoke psoriasis. Psoriasis can be well treated with ointments, light therapy, tablets, or injections.
When you suffer from red, irritated and flaky skin, don’t hesitate to consult a Brooklyn Heights dermatologist for an adequate psoriasis diagnosis and treatment.
Where does Psoriasis exist?
Psoriasis occurs in various forms. While one person only has a few psoriasis places, another person can have it everywhere on his or her body. It can be present on a hairy head, in the ear canal, in the navel, in the folds, or on knees and elbows. Nails and joints can be affected as well. Psoriasis can express itself in small spots or in large plaques. In some cases, only the nails are affected by psoriasis while the skin has no abnormalities. Sometimes psoriasis affects the joints, a form which is also called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis and the immune system
The cause of psoriasis is an inflammation process in the skin. The white blood cells of the immune system (lymphocytes and leukocytes) are more active in the skin. The lymphocytes activate processes that cause the skin to turn red and accelerate cell division of the skin cells, making the skin thicker and flaking. They attract more inflammatory cells to the area, which can even cause pus heads. Sometimes the reaction is provoked by an infection with throat bacteria (Streptococci), by damage to the skin, or by medication. In most cases, however, there is no explanation for the accumulation of these inflammatory cells.
Psoriasis diagnosis by a Brooklyn Heights Dermatologist
In most cases, diagnosis of psoriasis is fairly straightforward. A doctor or specialized dermatologist can usually make a psoriasis diagnosis by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam (mainly skin, scalp and nails). When in doubt about the diagnosis, the lesion can be scratched with a spatula. Experience shows that if the horny layer becomes whiter (‘candle fat phenomenon’) this supports the diagnosis of psoriasis. In some rare cases, a skin biopsy is needed to rule out other conditions and/or determine the exact type of psoriasis. A piece of skin will then be removed under local anesthesia.
Psoriasis Diagnosis and Treatment in Brooklyn Heights
There are basically 3 types of psoriasis treatment, which suppress the skin reaction and symptoms for a certain amount of time. Local therapy (topical cream, ointment, gel or lotion), light therapy (ultraviolet UVB) or systemic therapy (oral medication, injection, infusion). A combination of therapies is quite common and effective.
For more information about a psoriasis diagnosis and treatment, fill out the form below or call us at 718-857-7070 to schedule your consultation with a Brooklyn Heights dermatologist. We will provide more information in our practice in Brooklyn Heights, New York.
ADDITIONAL PSORIASIS DERMATOLOGIST PRACTICES
Outside Brooklyn Heights, we also offer psoriasis consultations elsewhere in New York and New Jersey:
- Psoriasis Bayside, Queens
- Psoriasis Upper East Side, Manhattan
- Psoriasis Ossining, Westchester
- Psoriasis Roslyn Heights, Nassau County
- Psoriasis Commack, Suffolk County
- Psoriasis Ridgewood, Bergen County, NJ
- Psoriasis Fresh Meadows, Queens
- Psoriasis Upper West Side, NYC
- Psoriasis Briarcliff Manor, Westchester
- Psoriasis West Islip, Long Island
- Psoriasis East Setauket, Long Island
- Psoriasis Summit, Union County, NJ
- Psoriasis Tribeca, Manhattan
- Psoriasis Bellmore, Manhattan
