Psoriasis is a disease that causes the skin cells to grow at an abnormally fast rate. The body can’t keep up, and the skin cells accumulate and develop into scaly, red patches. The condition affects men and women equally, and it most commonly first appears in patients who are between 15 and 35 years old. It can affect children, however; about 10 to 15 percent of psoriasis cases involve patients who are under 10 years old. The disease is not contagious, but it has a genetic component and can run in families.
How is Psoriasis Treated?
There is so far no cure for psoriasis, but there are many treatments available at our office. It is important to understand that treatments are not one-size-fits-all, as each patient is unique. The treatments chosen will depend on the type, location and severity of the disease, among other factors. A mild case is defined as one that affects less than three percent of the patient’s body. Moderate cases cover three to ten percent of the patient’s body, while severe cases cover over ten percent.
Patients with mild cases of psoriasis may use a variety of medications, including creams and shampoos, to moisturize the skin and relieve itching and pain. Patients with moderate or severe psoriasis may need a combination of treatments that could include oral medications, injections and light therapy. It all depends on the unique situation.
Alternative Therapies
Stress is a known trigger of psoriasis outbreaks. Therefore, we may also recommend therapies to relieve stress and reduce the number of outbreaks. Dead sea salt baths and dilute tar baths can also help in some cases.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
If you have psoriasis, you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Schedule a consultation at McGuiness Dermatology to learn about your treatment options. Our team of experienced professionals can evaluate your condition and come up with a customized treatment plan for you. We have offices in Anna, Dallas, Flower Mound, Murphy, Plano, Prosper and Richardson. Contact us today to book an appointment.
