Psoriasis

If you develop a patchy rash or scaling spots on your skin, it could be due to a condition called psoriasis. At Island Aesthetics & Dermatology in Coupeville, Washington, aesthetics and dermatology specialists Shannon Tumblin, ARPN, Kristy Anderson, ARPN, and their friendly team diagnose and offer treatments for psoriasis to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Call the office to learn more, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes unusual symptoms on your elbows, trunk, scalp, knees, or other areas of your body. It can be uncomfortable or make you feel embarrassed about your skin’s appearance. While there's no cure for psoriasis, treatment reduces bothersome symptoms and can restore your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis, you might develop some of the following symptoms:

• Painful or tender skin
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry, patchy, or scaly rashes
• Dandruff-like scaling
• Purple, gray, red, or pink skin discoloration
• Scaling spots
• Cracked, dry skin
• Bleeding skin
• Cyclic rashes
• Burning, itchy, or sore skin patches

Psoriasis usually appears in cycles, flaring up for a few weeks or months and going away for a while before reappearing. If you develop psoriasis, you also have a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. 

You might experience eye conditions, other autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases, low self-esteem, or depression because of untreated psoriasis. 

What are the common risk factors for psoriasis?

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but your risk increases because of a family history of psoriasis or smoking. Triggers that may cause symptom flare-ups include infections, cold or dry weather, skin injuries, and heavy alcohol consumption, as well as some medications and a rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids. 

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

To know if you have psoriasis, your Island Aesthetics & Dermatology provider asks about your personal and family medical histories, symptoms, lifestyle, and medications. They examine your skin and might take a sample of it to view under a microscope.

How does my provider treat psoriasis?

The Island Aesthetics & Dermatology team treats psoriasis using topical ointments and creams, light therapy, oral medicines, or injections. They may suggest alternative treatments, such as fish oil or aloe extract. 

Keep your skin moist, take baths in Epsom salts, or cover affected areas of your skin using ointment-based moisturizers and plastic wrap. Expose affected skin to tiny amounts of sunlight and avoid scratching it if you can. 

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid psoriasis triggers, such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, skin injuries, and infections.

To get screened and treated for psoriasis, call the Island Aesthetics & Dermatology office or use the online scheduler today.