Psoriasis

If you’re dealing with a rash of silvery scales, you could have psoriasis. It’s possible to treat psoriasis quite effectively with help from board-certified dermatologist George Glinos, MD, Bethany Aguilar, PA-C, Yesenia Sebastia, APRN-BC, and Alexandra Riguero, PA-C, at Dermatology of Miami, located in Miami or Miami Lakes, Florida. Use the online booking tool now or call the office to get a psoriasis diagnosis and relief.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which you overproduce new skin cells. In the most common form, plaque psoriasis, this leads to thickened red skin topped by silvery scales. Skin nearly anywhere, including on your scalp, can be affected. Plaque psoriasis may also cause itching, burning, and even serious pain.

The other forms of psoriasis include:

• Nail psoriasis: causes nail overgrowth, pitting, and darkening, and possible crumbling
• Guttate psoriasis: starts with a bacterial infection, causes scales on your upper body, legs, and scalp
• Inverse psoriasis: red patches under the arms, below the breasts, and in the groin
• Pustular psoriasis: a rare type of psoriasis, causes blisters filled with pus
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: the rarest psoriasis, covers the whole body with an itchy, burning rash

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of psoriasis, but it's also a form of arthritis. In psoriatic arthritis, you have joint swelling and pain along with skin scales and nail problems. Psoriatic arthritis can occur in only one joint, but it can also cause problems in many joints at one time.

What causes psoriasis?

Although the cause of psoriasis isn't definitively known at this time, researchers believe that it's connected to issues with T cells and neutrophils, white blood cells inside your immune system.  

In psoriasis, your T cells become overly aggressive in defending your immune system and start destroying healthy cells. Your body reacts to the loss of healthy skin cells by overproducing new ones, in turn causing thickened skin and scaly buildup.

Psoriasis sufferers usually have specific triggers that lead to flare-ups. Some of the most common psoriasis triggers include infections, sunburn, smoking, and stress.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

Your Dermatology of Miami provider creates a customized psoriasis treatment plan just for you. Treatments may include:

Topical treatments

Dermatology of Miami can prescribe topical medications, such as ointments and creams, that can soften scales, slough scales off, minimize new skin growth, reduce itching, or increase the body's healing response.

Medication

Your provider may prescribe medication such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or various retinoids in either oral or injection form. This type of medication can be extremely effective but may have side effects. Otezla and biologics, which are shots, can target the immune system at the root of the malfunction. These treatments are reserved for patients with more widespread psoriasis.

Dermatology of Miami will monitor your progress and make treatment changes as needed to help you get optimal psoriasis symptom relief.

To make an appointment, use online booking or call the office to get psoriasis help now.