What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, caused by an abnormality in the immune system. Psoriasis typically occurs when the immune system is overactive, causing new skin cells to be generated too quickly. This results in itchy, painful, peeling red skin. Psoriasis often also has unpleasant consequences. In addition to itching and pain, people suffering from psoriasis may also feel self-conscious and become insecure about their bodies. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be reduced with a customized treatment. If you are looking for a psoriasis treatment that is suitable for you, book a consultation with one of our expert Commack Dermatologists for the right diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease where the skin often becomes thick and red, which typically looks like white-flaking placards on a red background. The thick flakes sometimes give a scaly effect. Sometimes the spots can be itchy or painful. In some patients, one or more pus heads can also be seen in the psoriasis areas. Contrary to what is commonly thought, these are not signs of an infection. The pustules are sterile, contain no bacteria and are normal symptoms in psoriasis. When the skin peels, the thick flakes can be found on clothes, in bed and on the floor. Our highly trained dermatologists can establish a proper psoriasis diagnosis at our practice in Commack, Suffolk County.
How do you get psoriasis?
We still do not know the cause of psoriasis. Hereditary factors certainly play an important role in this skin condition. In the science community there is even talk about typical “psoriasis genes”. A child whose father or mother has psoriasis has a 10% chance of getting the disease. If both parents have psoriasis, then the chance raises to 50%. Other factors can trigger psoriasis, like emotional stress, flu, strep throat (streptococci) and some drugs (lithium and beta-blockers).
Factors that trigger psoriasis include:
- Emotional stress
- Flu
- Strep throat
- Infections
- Medication
Psoriasis can occur in anyone who has a predisposition to it. There are indications that the inflammatory processes in psoriasis are partly responsible for the development and maintenance of the skin lesions. The condition occurs in both men and women and in all races. Psoriasis can also start at any age, but the skin lesions often become visible for the first time around puberty.
What is a psoriasis treatment?
Based on the skin abnormalities, an experienced dermatologist can immediately establish a diagnosis. In cases where there is doubt, a skin biopsy will be performed. There are many effective psoriasis treatments that can improve it greatly for a certain amount of time, such as topical medication, light treatment, oral medication and laser therapy. Even if the psoriasis treatment does not take away the cause, the symptoms are often (temporarily) suppressed. Preferably, psoriasis is treated with a combination therapy, typically involving a combination with light therapy.
Psoriasis consultation in Commack, Suffolk County
For more information about Psoriasis treatment, fill out the form below or call us at 631-499-1200 to schedule your consultation with a top Commack dermatologist. We will provide more information at our practice in Commack, Suffolk County.
ADDITIONAL PSORIASIS LOCATIONS
Outside Commack, Suffolk County, 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
