Find out how our Buffalo, NY, team can get your psoriasis under control.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that affects about three percent of people worldwide. Your psoriasis might be itchy, painful, or even debilitating. Of course, figuring out the cause of your outbreaks may be able to help you figure out which treatments will work best. From the office of Buffalo, NY, dermatologist Dr. Anthony Dee, find out more about psoriasis and what you can do to get the relief you need.
What is psoriasis?
This common but chronic skin condition causes skin cells to build up quickly on the skin’s surface. Because of the fast buildup, these extra cells form thick, scaly, red patches that can itch, crack, bleed or even be painful. Symptoms of psoriasis can go into remission for weeks or months at a time.
What could trigger a psoriasis flare-up?
Certain things can trigger a psoriasis flare-up. The most common psoriasis triggers include,
- Dermatological injuries like a sunburn or abrasion
- Stress
- Smoking
- Infections
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cold weather
- Taking certain medications (e.g. beta-blockers; iodides)
Who is at risk for developing psoriasis?
While anyone can develop this condition certain risk factors may predispose you to this disease:
- Stress
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history
How is psoriasis treated?
There are three main types of psoriasis treatments that our Buffalo, NY, dermatologist offers that can be used either on their own or in combination with other treatments to stop the fast growth of skin cells and to remove the thick, scaly patches of skin: topical medications, light therapy, and general medication.
Topical Medication
This includes medications like steroids that are applied directly to the skin to treat mild to moderate forms of psoriasis. Those with more severe psoriasis are more likely to use these topical ointments or creams along with other treatment options.
Phototherapy
Using either natural or UV light, this treatment exposes skin to a controlled amount of sunlight to kill the activated T-cells in the patches of skin. By reducing the buildup of skin cells, phototherapy can also reduce inflammation and scaly patches.
Systemic Medication
These medications can include everything from oral to injectable medications and are often recommended for patients with severe or treatment-resistant psoriasis. Systemic medications include retinoids, cyclosporine, and other immune system drugs.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis or you’ve been diagnosed already and want to discuss treatment options, our Buffalo, NY, dermatologist Dr. Dee is here to answer questions, provide swift diagnoses and create treatment plans just for you. To schedule a consultation, call Dermatologic Center for Excellence at (716) 636-3376.