What Is Psoriasis?
If you're dealing with psoriasis, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable the condition can be, affecting both your skin and overall well-being. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adam Aldahan and our team at Palm Beach Dermatology treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease where skin cells grow too quickly, resulting in red, scaly patches called plaques. These patches can form on various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, as well as hands and feet. Psoriasis is not contagious but can cause discomfort, itching, and inflammation. It's often linked to genetics and an overactive immune system. In some cases, individuals may develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that causes joint symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling, in the fingers and toes. If psoriatic arthritis is left untreated, it can lead to long-term joint damage, similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Schedule a consultation at our Boca Raton, FL practice for a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for relief.
How Is Psoriasis Treated?
While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments aim to control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. At Palm Beach Dermatology, we take an evidence-based approach to minimize treatment failures and effectively clear psoriasis. For mild cases, topical treatments, creams, and ointments are used. Scalp psoriasis is managed with medicated shampoos and sprays designed to soothe the skin. For moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, systemic medications — taken orally or via injection — may be prescribed. These treatments target the immune response that is causing the rapid skin cell growth. Our team also includes a rheumatologist who can help patients manage psoriatic arthritis and other joint symptoms. Other treatment sources involve light and laser therapies, which help to slow down cell growth and clear widespread psoriasis symptoms, shrinking the size of plaques. A skin biopsy may sometimes be necessary to determine the best course of action for difficult cases.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
Our team at Palm Beach Dermatology frequently sees psoriasis presenting as distinct skin changes that make it recognizable. These symptoms can vary in severity and location, but they typically follow a similar pattern. Below are the key characteristics of psoriasis found in Boca Raton, FL-area patients:
- Red, raised patches of skin
- Silvery-white scales covering the patches
- Symmetrical plaques, often appearing on both sides of the body
- Itching or discomfort in affected areas
- Scalp psoriasis that can range from mild flaking to thick, crusted plaques
- Nail psoriasis, causing pitting, discoloration, or when the nail separates from the nail bed
When compared to eczema, psoriasis generally causes thicker, scaly patches while eczema results in red, inflamed skin that may ooze. Psoriasis often affects areas, like the scalp, fingernails, and toenails, while eczema is more common in skin folds, such as behind the knees or elbows.
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I took my special needs daughter for a check-up for her psoriasis, and I was so pleased with Dr. Aldahan, he was so caring & knowledgeable, and extremely attentive to my daughter’s needs, I recommend him 10/10 times
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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Our experienced dermatologists at Palm Beach Dermatology can usually diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin, scalp, and nails. They will look for the characteristic red, scaly plaques and may also ask about your medical history and any family history of psoriasis. In some cases, a small skin biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions. This involves removing a small sample of skin for examination under a microscope. Once a diagnosis is made, we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by a combination of factors. It's an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering the rapid production of new cells. This leads to the formation of red, scaly plaques often associated with the condition. Genetics plays a significant role, as people with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop it. Certain environmental triggers can also cause flare-ups or worsen symptoms. These triggers include stress, injuries to the skin, dry or cold weather, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
While psoriasis is caused by a combination of factors, environmental triggers can lead to flare-ups or worsen symptoms. In addition to stress, injuries, dry or cold weather, smoking, alcohol consumption, and medications, other triggers can include infections, such as strep throat or skin infections, and even certain foods or allergens. Our team at Palm Beach Dermatology can review these potential causes during a consultation.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering the rapid production of new cells. You cannot "catch" psoriasis from someone else. Our trained staff in Boca Raton, FL, can provide more information about what causes psoriasis during an appointment.
What should I do if I think I have psoriasis?
If you suspect you have psoriasis, you should schedule a consultation for a diagnosis and get a personalized treatment plan for relief. Dr. Aldahan can usually diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin, scalp, and nails. A skin biopsy may sometimes be necessary to determine the best course of action for difficult cases.
Living with Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Regular treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the impact of psoriasis on daily life. Avoiding known triggers, using prescribed treatments consistently, and staying moisturized can help keep psoriasis symptoms under control. Dr. Adam Aldahan also recommends managing stress, as it can worsen both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. If you're experiencing psoriasis symptoms — whether on your hands and feet, fingers and toes, or other areas of your body — schedule a consultation with our team in Boca Raton, FL. We'll develop a customized treatment plan that includes options, such as topical creams, light therapies, and medications, to keep your condition in check and improve your quality of life.