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What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

Psoriasis Memphis

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Many people live with psoriasis. It is a common skin condition that results from an autoimmune reaction in the skin. While some people can manage psoriasis with over-the-counter treatments, others need a comprehensive treatment plan to keep their condition under control. With treatment, you can manage your psoriasis and minimize its impact on your life. 

Psoriasis Memphis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis results from an autoimmune reaction that causes the skin cells to reproduce much more rapidly than they should, sometimes up to ten times as fast as normal skin cells. The most common type, plaque psoriasis, causes a buildup of skin cells. The body normally sheds old skin cells as new ones grow, but psoriasis causes skin cells to pile up into raised plaques with scales of thick skin. 

This skin condition results in itching, inflammation, and discomfort. Fortunately, it can be treated and kept at a manageable level. Your dermatologist at Levy Dermatology will diagnose your type of psoriasis and recommend a treatment plan unique to you

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

Psoriasis plaques can appear almost anywhere on the body but occur most commonly on the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. Plaques look like areas of thick, red, uneven skin covered with skin flakes. Psoriasis can appear in other forms, but plaque psoriasis makes up most psoriasis cases. Guttate psoriasis, most common in children after an infection, resembles a spotty red rash, while pustular psoriasis forms painful blisters on the hands and feet. 

What Can Trigger Psoriasis?

People sometimes find that their psoriasis, which has been in remission for months, suddenly flares up and produces plaques. Triggers can include:

  • Changes in weather
  • Stress
  • Sun exposure
  • Any scrubbing or rubbing the skin
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Obesity

In addition, many people have their own unique triggers, such as specific products or hormonal changes. Your dermatologist will work with you to identify triggers and help you avoid them if possible. 

How Can I Treat Psoriasis?

Psoriasis often requires several different methods of treatment to keep the condition under control. People can achieve excellent management of their psoriasis with treatment. These treatments may include:

Several new options have been introduced for treating psoriasis by helping to control the autoimmune response that causes it. While these medications can be very effective, they are not suitable for everyone. Each person’s treatment will take into account their health, the severity of their outbreaks, and their response to other treatments. 

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To learn more about psoriasis, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling Levy Dermatology at (901) 624-3333. Levy Dermatology serves patients in the Memphis, Jackson & Collierville, TN areas

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Learn more today about medical and cosmetic dermatology services today. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Levy Dermatology will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.