What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by increased proliferation of skin cells. Instead of shedding gradually, skin cells accumulate on the surface, forming thick, red, inflamed patches covered with silvery-white scales.

This rapid cell turnover is triggered by an overactive immune response. While psoriasis appears on the skin, it is a systemic inflammatory condition, meaning it originates within the body.

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Causes Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is caused by an immune-system disorder involving a type of white blood cell called a “T lymphocyte” (T cell). Although T cells usually travel through the body to fight off viruses and other foreign substances, in patients with psoriasis, they attack healthy skin cells. This causes an increased production of healthy skin cells, which then build up on the surface of the skin, causing scaling and patches. The symptoms of psoriasis can worsen as a result of certain triggers, including the following:

  • Infections
  • Injury to the skin
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption

Certain medications are also triggers for psoriasis.

Types Of Psoriasis

There are seven different types of psoriasis, each causing different symptoms. Some types are more common than others. Although patients usually have only one type of psoriasis at any given time, another type can appear once the first has cleared.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type; it affects about 80 percent of psoriasis patients. It causes raised red lesions that are covered with silvery white scales, and usually appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and back.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis usually begins during childhood or early adulthood. It causes small red spots to appear on the skin of the torso, arms and legs, and is associated with bacterial infections such as strep throat.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis develops in the armpits or groin, under the breasts, or in other folds of skin. It manifests itself as bright-red lesions that can become irritated from sweat and friction. It is most common in overweight patients.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes white, pus-filled blisters that are surrounded by red areas of skin. It is often triggered by medication, ultraviolet light, pregnancy or infection, and is most common in adults.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of psoriasis and arthritis. It can cause swelling, pain and discoloration of the joints, in addition to the skin-related symptoms of psoriasis.

Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis affects the nails, causing them to thicken and yellow, and develop small pits in the nail bed. Patients with nail psoriasis are likely to also have a fungal infection.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type of psoriasis. It often causes redness and scaling on the whole body, and can lead to serious illness if left untreated.

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Treatment Of Psoriasis

Treatment for psoriasis focuses on clearing the skin of current symptoms. Treatments for the root cause of psoriasis are intended to interrupt the abnormal cycle that has caused an increased production of skin cells. This can be achieved through topical treatment, oral medication, light therapies or a combination of the three.

Topical Treatment

Topical treatment for psoriasis usually includes the use of of corticosteroids, vitamin D or topical retinoids. These topical medications target inflammation, skin-cell growth and DNA activity to effectively treat the symptoms of mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Light Therapy

Light therapy may be used in combination with topical treatments to slow the production of skin cells, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Light therapy includes exposure to natural sunlight or narrowband ultraviolet-B light.

Oral Medication

Oral medications may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis, or those that are unresponsive to other types of treatment. Prescription oral medications include retinoids, methotrexate or cyclosporine.

Patients with psoriasis can help relieve symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized, covering the affected areas while sleeping, and avoiding catalysts such as stress, smoking and alcohol. By adhering to a doctor’s treatment plan and following the recommended home remedies, effective relief from psoriasis is possible.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dermatology Consultation

If you are ready to refresh your appearance, improve skin quality, or explore personalized aesthetic treatments, the team at Wasatch Dermatology is here to guide you. From medical dermatology and skin cancer detection to cosmetic treatments that help you feel more confident, our services are designed to help you look naturally refreshed while maintaining the health and integrity of your skin.

Whether you are considering injectables, advanced facials, laser treatments, or regenerative solutions, your journey begins with a thoughtful consultation focused on your goals and comfort.

Call our South Ogden office at (801) 475-5210 or request an appointment online to schedule your cosmetic dermatology consultation and take the next step toward confident, radiant skin.

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