Psoriasis Specialist
Sonoma Skin Works
Dermatologists & Medical Spa located in Frisco, TX
The team at Sonoma Skin Works treat patients from in and around Frisco, TX, who suffer from psoriasis, a common but uncomfortable and unattractive skin condition.
Psoriasis Q & A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly sometimes up to 10 times faster than normal skin cells. The condition results in thick, white or red patches of skin. Normal skin flakes off as new skin grows underneath and emerges, however, with psoriasis, the new skin moves to the surface too rapidly for the old skin to have time to complete its life cycle and flake away. Patches of psoriasis range from small to large and can appear on any part of the body, although it is most common on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back. It is more common in adults, but psoriasis affects people of all ages.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is merely a cosmetic issue for most people with the condition. However, in some cases, it causes severe pain. The symptoms of psoriasis usually fluctuate throughout the patient’s life. Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on each patient, but commonly include the following:
- Crusting
- Dry cracked skin
- Itching or burning
- Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
- Tenderness
- Thickened nails
How is psoriasis treated?
Proper skin care is essential to controlling psoriasis. It is important to keep skin clean and moist with gentle creams and lotions. The doctor may prescribe special shampoos, lotions, medications or even injections to control the condition. Dr. Terrill and the team at Sonoma Skin Works will work with you closely to monitor and treat any outbreaks of psoriasis.
What causes psoriasis?
There is currently no concrete, medical finding as to what causes psoriasis, although there is a direct link to heredity. Studies have revealed that the genes that control the immune system are abnormal in psoriasis sufferers. Instead of protecting the body from invaders, the immune system causes inflammation and overstimulates the production of skin cells.