Psoriasis, which presents as thick scaly patches on the skin, is a chronic skin condition that causes cells on the skin to grow abnormally fast. In normal skin, cells grow and fall off after about four weeks. When the skin sheds off, new cells then grow in place of the cells that have flaked off. When you have psoriasis, those new skin cells come to the skin’s surface much quicker—in days as opposed to weeks. This buildup of patches is referred to as plaques or plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis can be an extremely embarrassing condition—especially during swimsuit season. Psoriasis in not contagious, but it is a chronic condition that requires the correct care and attention to successfully manage.*
There still remains a lot to be learned about psoriasis, including why people get it in the first place. There is a strong genetic component and the immune system plays a large role as well. It is widely thought that the cause of psoriasis has to do with the T cells in the body, which are white blood cells. T cells help our bodies fight off infections, but when you have psoriasis, the T cells instead attack the healthy skin cells as if they were a foreign substance. The main psoriasis triggers include:
If you suspect you have psoriasis, it’s important to make an appointment with one of our licensed healthcare providers immediately. Psoriasis treatments are not one size fits all. To effectively address your specific skin, it’s essential to partner with a dermatologist to bring your psoriasis into remission. Our board-certified dermatologist will explain all of your psoriasis treatment options. At Exceptional Dermatology Care, we offer prescription topical creams and ointments, and other in-office treatments.
*Disclaimer, results may vary from person to person.
