Psoriasis Specialist

What is psoriasis?

Affecting 2-3% of the total population, psoriasis is a common skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches to form, most commonly on your knees, elbows, and scalp. Psoriasis is a long-term, chronic disease that has no cure and consists of frequent flare-ups lasting a few weeks or months that eventually subside, going into remission. 

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin
• Thick, scaly skin surface
• Dry, cracked skin that bleeds or itches 
• Itching and burning skin
• Thickened or ridged nails
• Swollen, stiff, and sore joints 

The severity of your symptoms can vary from a few spots of minor scaling to intense eruptions that cover large areas of your skin. You're most likely to develop psoriasis on your lower back, knees, legs, elbows, scalp, face, palms, and soles of your feet.

What causes psoriasis?

While it’s unclear what specifically causes psoriasis, the disease can be characterized by inflammation resulting from dysfunction of your immune system. This immune system issue causes your skin to regenerate faster than normal, speeding up skin cell growth and causing your cells to pile up on the surface of your skin, rather than growing and shedding like normal. 

While specific causes of psoriasis are unclear, certain environmental factors can trigger symptoms, such as:

• Infections, like strep throat or skin infections
• Exposure to dry, cold weather
• Certain medications, like lithium, high blood pressure medications, and antimalarial drugs
• Injury to your skin involving a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe burn
• Heavy alcohol consumption

Your risk of developing psoriasis increases if the condition runs in your family, if you're susceptible to high-stress levels, and if you smoke tobacco.

How do you treat psoriasis?

When you come into Wake Forest Dermatology to receive treatment for your psoriasis, Dr. Matheis discusses your options and what will improve your symptoms. 

These treatment options may consist of topical therapy, such as corticosteroid cream and light therapy, which exposes your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. Dr. Matheis may also recommend oral or injected medications, such as steroids and retinoids. 

Regardless of the severity of your disease, Dr. Matheis prioritizes holistic treatment and naturopathic therapies to conservatively approach treating your condition. Therefore, she begins with the mildest treatments, such as topical creams and light therapy, and progresses to stronger treatment if needed. 

To learn more about psoriasis and the best treatment option for you, call Wake Forest Dermatology or use the online booking tool today to schedule an appointment.