Psoriasis Q & A

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis looks like an external skin problem, but it’s an autoimmune disorder. Normally, the immune system protects you from foreign substances to keep you from getting sick. However, your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body with an autoimmune disorder.

With psoriasis, the immune system affects the skin cells, increasing the rate of skin cell production. These extra skin cells then create scaly, inflamed skin patches that most often appear on the scalp, knees, or elbows. 

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that varies in type and severity. Though most people with psoriasis have these scaly, inflamed patches — known as plaque psoriasis — the disorder may also affect the nails (psoriatic nail dystrophy) or joints (psoriatic arthritis).

What causes psoriasis?

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of psoriasis, but they theorize the skin condition is genetic. Injuries to the skin may trigger the gene that causes the autoimmune reaction. 

People with psoriasis go through periods of flare-ups and remission. Some conditions may trigger these flare-ups, such as stress, infections, or lack of vitamin D. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake may also trigger a psoriasis flare.

What happens during a psoriasis consultation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when visiting Mohave Dermatology for a psoriasis consultation. The team asks detailed questions about your symptoms, flare-ups, and treatments so they can design a plan that works best for you.

Though they can diagnose psoriasis after a physical examination, the team may take a biopsy of your skin rash to rule out other skin conditions.

What treatments can improve my psoriasis?

There are many treatments for psoriasis, but no single method works for all. The highly skilled team at Mohave Dermatology tailors your psoriasis treatment plan based on the type of psoriasis you have, along with the severity and frequency of your flare-ups.

Treatments that might improve your psoriasis include:

• Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments
• Moisturizers
• Salicylic acid applications
• Light therapy
• Medications for infections
• Diet and lifestyle modifications

The team works closely with you, designing a plan that helps you take control of your psoriasis minimizing the frequency of your flare-ups.

For expert psoriasis care from an experienced team, call Mohave Dermatology in our Las Vegas office at (702) 628-5333, for our Mesquite office call (702) 346-5510, and for our Pahrump office call (775) 727-0900 or schedule your consultation online today.