BOULDER DERMATOLOGY

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Psoriasis Treatment Boulder

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is unpredictable and leaves skin irritated. This skin disorder baffles scientists and researchers around the globe because skin cells in psoriasis can multiply up to 10 times faster than normal, healthy skin cells. While the skin cells of psoriasis multiply, the underlying cells begin to die. Their sheer volume is what causes the red plaques covered with white scales.

At Azeal Dermatology Institute in Boulder, we can help you diagnose your psoriasis and help you find the best treatment option for you. While there is no cure, there are many different treatment options that can help you manage symptoms. Even some lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis has been seen on both adults and children and typically occurs on the elbows, scalp, and knees. However, it is not unheard of to see psoriasis affect the palms, soles of the feet, and torso. There are many different types of psoriasis and depending on which you have, you will experience different symptoms. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type.

The Types of Psoriasis Include:

  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Guttate psoriasis
  • Inverse psoriasis
  • Pustular psoriasis
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis

Each of these psoriasis types causes slightly different symptoms and are triggered by different things.

Symptoms of Psoriasis Include:

  • Plaques of red skin which are often covered with loose, silver-colored scales.
  • Lesions may be painful and itchy which can occasionally result in cracking and bleeding.
  • Plaques of crust or scales on the scalp.
  • Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails.
  • Swollen and stiff joints

Psoriasis patches can vary from small spots, similar to dandruff, to more severe cases, in which plaques can grow and merge into one another, covering larger areas of the body. Most psoriasis types go through cycles. Flare-ups can occur for a few weeks or months, but then subside for a while or completely go into remission

Psoriasis can be hereditary, so if you have a parent who has psoriasis, you are much more likely to get this skin disorder. Viral and bacterial infections, including HIV and strep throat, can also increase your risk of developing psoriasis. Additional factors include stress, obesity, and smoking. Along with these risk factors, there are many things that can trigger the start or worsening of this skin condition.

Psoriasis Triggers Include:

  • Infections
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Injury to the skin (cuts, scrapes, bug bite, or severe sunburn)

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are different types of treatments available for this skin condition. There are a variety of topical treatments including salicylic acid, steroid-based creams, calcipotriene ointment, coal-tar ointments and shampoos, and prescriptions retinoids.

The best treatment option for you will depend on what type of psoriasis you have and the severity of your symptoms. If you have been diagnosed or think you have psoriasis and want to learn more about this skin condition and treatment options, be sure to contact Azeal Dermatology Institute in Boulder. Our certified and skilled dermatologists will be able to help you with this skin condition.

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