Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is classically characterized by thickened, red areas of skin covered with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. The joints, nails, and mucous membranes may also be affected with the disease. All areas of the body can be affected.. Psoriasis in fold areas is sometimes called “inverse psoriasis”. Psoriasis can be mild with just a few areas or can cover the entire skin.
Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center is one of the few dermatologist’s offices in the Carmel, Indianapolis area to use the Xtrac® Eximer Laser as a treatment for psoriasis. Dr. Shideler can help even the most severe cases.
Symptoms and Signs
Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another, but it can occur in members of the same family. As many as 50% of people with psoriasis have a relative with psoriasis. Approximately 150,000 new cases of psoriasis occur each year in the United States.
The classic signs of psoriasis are raised, red patches of skin topped with loose, silvery scales, occuring anywhere but especially on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Fold areas and the face are often red with minimal scale. Nails can present with pitting, lifting of the nail, or other signs. The scalp can show thicked white scaling areas. Rarely psoriasis can show pustules. Psoriasis can be confined to the palms and the soles. Itching is quite prominent when psoriasis affects the scalp, and occasionally other areas can itch. Psoriatic arthritis affects approximately 20% of people with psoriasis and can involve any joint but especially the hands.
Many people with psoriasis needlessly suffer from depression, axiety or shame due to the disease and effective treatment can lead to better self esteem and happiness.
Causes of Psoriasis
The cause of psoriasis is related to the immune system and it is now recognized as the most common auto-immune disease. Psoriasis can start or worsen because of a trigger including infections, especially strep infections and yeast, stress, certain medications, injury to the skin (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or a severe sunburn). Psoriasis can start at any age, from infancy to older age.
System symptoms and illnesses associated with psoriasis include arthritis (psoriatic arthritis) but also internal conditions such as hypertension, obesity, heart disease, alcohol consumption, colitis and metabolic syndrome.
Treatment for Psoriasis
The goal in treating psoriasis is to reduce inflammation and to control shedding of the skin. Treatment is based on a patient’s health, age, lifestyle and the severity of the psoriasis. Treatment can be divided into categories such as topical agents which include topical steroids, creams and ointments ofvitamins D and A and creams that locally block the immune system such as Elidil or Protopic. Another category include light treatments. Shideler dermatology is proud to be the first office in central Indiana to have offered phototherapy with both narrow band UVB light box and Xtrac narrow band laser treatments. Light therapy combines safety with effectiveness. Systemic treatments include Soriatane, a vitamin A derivative, methotrexate, and “biologic” agents such as Enbrel, Humira and Stellara. These block the immune reaction driving psoriasis and can especially help psoriatic arthritis.
As dermatologists, we are uniquely qualified to diagnosis and treat psoriasis. A visit to dermatologist Dr. Shideler or his associates can help you get relief from and treatment for psoriasis. Call Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center today at 317.846.2396 for a free consultation.