Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that has no cure and can flare up without notice. Millions of people are diagnosed with this autoimmune disorder, which can affect those of any age, race, or gender. The resulting rashes and areas of thick discolored skin can be the cause of discomfort and embarrassment.
Cause
If you have an over-reactive immune system that leads to skin inflammation, the outcome may be psoriasis. Instead of destroying foreign things in your body such as bacteria, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and leads to skin inflammation that displays as abnormal surface skin. These unsightly areas on your skin’s surface are called plaques. Psoriasis has shown to be genetic as it is possible for parents to pass the condition down to their children.
Appearance
Psoriasis may occur anywhere on your skin, but most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, face, inside mouth, lower back, feet and palms, genitals, or fingernails and toenails. Most often small skin areas are covered, although sometimes plaques connect with one another to form larger areas.
Symptoms
Plaques on the skin appear as raised areas of thick skin that is scaly and can flake off easily. The skin is typically discolored. Skin can be itchy, cracked, dry and painful. Scratching the rash can cause bleeding and lesions, making some patients experience severe symptoms. Dangerous infections may develop in some cases.
Diagnosis
Seeking care from a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is important for accurate diagnosis of psoriasis. The doctor will examine your skin and discuss your symptoms. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue from the plaque area and examining it under a microscope.
Treatment
Common treatments for psoriasis include medication to slow its progress, steroid creams, moisturizers, medicated lotions or shampoos, vitamin A or retinoid creams, and vitamin D3 ointment. Your personized treatment plan with our dermatologist will be based on the severity of your rash, its location, your age, and your general health. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with a skin condition like psoriasis, schedule an appointment for accurate care.