Do I have psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that is quite noticeable. You can recognize it as red spots on the skin that are covered with bound, white-flaking placards. The placards give a scaly effect and can be painful or itchy. Sometimes pus can occur in the areas affected by psoriasis. The spots can vary in size and occur on different parts of the body, such as the head (hairy scalp), elbows, knees, hands, soles, and lower back. Some forms of psoriasis show up on the genitals or nails. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and hereditary factors play an important role in its formation. When both parents have psoriasis, there is a 50% chance that a child will develop psoriasis as well. This skin condition usually shows itself during puberty, generally between the ages of 16 and 21.
Causes of psoriasis
The immediate cause of psoriasis is an overactive immune system. This over activity causes an extremely fast formation of new skin cells every 4-5 days. Because of this velocity, the new cells are not created well and will form a thick layer of dead skin cells that are not shed on time. This will lead to psoriasis symptoms such as irritated, red and purple scaly spots on the skin. Genetics seems to be one of the most common causes for the formation of an overactive immune system. Other known factors that can trigger psoriasis are emotional stress, flu, strep throat, infections, sunburn, weak immune system and certain medications.
If you are looking for a psoriasis treatment that is suitable for you, book a consultation with one of our expert Bellmore Dermatologists for the right diagnosis and treatment.
What can I do to improve my psoriasis skin condition?
It is important to find the right treatment for psoriasis. Our highly experienced Summit dermatologists can provide the right treatment. There are several things you can do at home to not worsen your psoriasis skin condition or even improve it. Such recommendations include:
- Book a consultation with a specialized dermatologist in your neighborhood. Our expert Summit dermatologists can assess your skin, your personal situation and provide you with a tailor-made treatment plan.
- Commit to the treatment plan and have the patience to see the first results.
- Keep your skin moisturized and supple with skin care cream or ointment. Make sure this cream or ointment is prescribed or approved by your dermatologist.
- Remove as many flakes of skin as possible before you apply a cream or ointment.
- Avoid contact with water as much as possible. Water dehydrates your skin.
- Avoid showering for too long or making the water too hot.
- After contact with water, pat your skin dry, do not rub it dry.
- Avoid certain soaps as it dehydrates your skin. Oil can be a good alternative.
- Wear cotton clothes. Your skin sweats less than in synthetic clothing.
- Sunlight is beneficial to psoriasis as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Be careful not to burn your skin.
- Seawater can improve your skin. A high salt concentration helps to remove the flakes.
- Make sure that the air in your house has good moisture content. If you use heating in the winter, the air in the house often becomes dry. Dry air causes dry skin and itching so try to use a humidifier.
- Do not scratch your skin. This can cause new psoriasis spots.
- Try to avoid stress and tension as this can worsen psoriasis.
Can psoriasis be treated?
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be effectively reduced with treatment. The objective of treatment is to regulate the overactive immune system and interrupt its distorted cellular growth cycle. This allows the skin to heal and control the symptoms of psoriasis. The most common psoriasis treatments are topical treatments (like creams and oils), light therapy, laser therapy, oral medication and injections (such as biologics). Our Summit dermatologists in Westchester can advise you on the best treatment or combination of psoriasis treatments that will benefit you the most.
Psoriasis treatment in Summit, Westchester, New York
For more information about our psoriasis treatments, fill out the form below or call us at 718-857-7070 to schedule your consultation with our Summit dermatologists.
ADDITIONAL PSORIASIS LOCATIONS
Outside of Summit we also offer psoriasis treatments and consultations at our other practices 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 Tribeca, Manhattan, New York
- Psoriasis West Islip, Long Island
- Psoriasis East Setauket, Long Island
- Psoriasis Summit, Union County, NJ
- Psoriasis Bellmore, Nassau County
