Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. This build-up of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface with inflammation and redness around the scales. 

Scales typically develop on joints such as elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, neck, scalp and face. Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, the mouth and the area around genitals.

Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person. Most people with psoriasis go through cycles of symptoms. The condition may cause severe symptoms for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up and be almost unnoticeable. Then, in a few weeks or if made worse by a common psoriasis trigger, the condition may flare up again. Sometimes, symptoms of psoriasis disappear completely. When you have no active signs of the condition, you may be in remission. That doesn’t mean that the psoriasis won’t come back, but for now you are symptom free.

There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatment options for psoriasis include topical treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, anthralin, vitamin D analogues, salicyclic acid and moisturizer, systemic medications, and light therapy. The main goal of treatment is to improve the symptoms of psoriasis, such as reducing inflammation and scales, slowing down the growth of skin cells and removing plaques.

Because psoriasis is a serious auto-immune disorder, treatment is vital. If left untreated, those with psoriasis have an increased risk of developing other serious conditions. Lack of treatment puts you at risk for irreversible joint damage, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes.

If you have psoriasis symptoms, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.