The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that up to 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, making it the most prevalent autoimmune skin disease in the country.
At Pima Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists and skin specialists have the experience and skill necessary to help treat and manage the painful, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing symptoms of psoriasis. We also understand how the condition can affect your self-esteem, which is why we work with you to help keep psoriasis flare-ups under control.
Effective Psoriasis Treatment Options
Because psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, there is no cure for it. While it is not contagious, it is unpredictable. Your psoriasis is just as likely to disappear on its own as it is to remain despite treatment, or even return years after it has seemingly vanished.
At Pima Dermatology, our goal is to help you manage your psoriasis and its symptoms. We can do this in a variety of ways:
- Topical steroids
- Topical vitamin D
- Topical retinoids
- Combination therapies
- Taclonex (Vitamin-D and a Steroid)
- Ultra-Violet light or outdoor Sunlight
- Narrowband UVB
- Systemic treatments
- Acitretin (Vitamin-A)
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
- Otezla
- Injectable Biologic Therapy
- Enbrel
- Humira
- Stelara
- Cosentyx
Benefits of Psoriasis Treatment at Pima Dermatology
The psoriasis experts at Pima Dermatology know the frustration and pain of this condition. If you have symptoms of psoriasis, don’t ignore it. Share your concerns with us. Together, we’ll craft a treatment plan to manage your symptoms so that you can live your life as well as possible. Any treatment we recommend will be tailored to your needs and goals.
Visit our photo gallery to see our patients’ psoriasis treatment results.
What Is Psoriasis?
It is a disorder in which your skin produces skin cells at a faster rate than normal, which is due to a problem associated with your immune system. Psoriasis is typically characterized by such symptoms as:
- Thick red plaques
- Scaly, crusty skin
- Silvery patches of flaky skin
- Moderate to severe inflammation
- Constant shedding of the skin
The psoriasis skin plaques are usually clearly demarcated and symmetrical. Mild cases of psoriasis are typically localized, while more severe cases can involve two or more areas of the body, including:
- Scalp
- Arms
- Elbows
- Torso, including under the breasts
- Armpits
- Thighs
- Knees
- Fingernails or toenails
- Groin
- Between the buttocks
There are five common types of psoriasis – plaque psoriasis, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic. Furthermore, about 1 in 3 psoriasis sufferers will also eventually develop painful and potentially debilitating psoriatic arthritis.
That’s why it’s important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist and skin expert, like the ones at Pima Dermatology, as psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage if not treated.
Triggers and Risk Factors
It’s not clear why psoriasis occurs, but there are several risk factors and triggers strongly linked to this condition:
- Skin trauma or injury
- Stress
- Exposure to cold temperatures
- Smoking or consuming alcohol
- Infections such as bronchitis or strep throat
- Medications (e.g., ones for headaches or high blood pressure)
For Expert Psoriasis Treatment, Contact Pima Dermatology
The experts at Pima Dermatology are highly experienced at helping patients manage their unique psoriasis symptoms. To know more, schedule a consultation with us today. Contact us online or call our practice.
Next, read about seborrheic keratosis.
