Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million Americans. If you’re among them, you can get dermatologic care from Associated Dermatologists in Berkley, Commerce, Novi, and West Bloomfield, Michigan. The expert team accurately diagnoses your psoriasis and offers treatments to help you significantly reduce symptoms. To make an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.
Psoriasis occurs when your immune system malfunctions. Your body creates extra skin cells, which don’t shed quickly and end up accumulating on the surface of your skin. You develop scaly patches as a result.
Psoriasis may be associated with conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is not contagious.
Most people suffer from a type of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis. Symptoms appear as:
Psoriasis can also cause skin discoloration, crumbling of your toenails and fingernails, and scaly patches on your scalp.
Psoriasis has several subtypes, and you can suffer from more than one type at a time. The team at Associated Dermatologists may diagnose you with:
A serious form of psoriasis known as erythrodermic psoriasis can occur in people who have unstable plaque psoriasis. With this type, your skin looks bright red and appears burned. Erythrodermic psoriasis also causes severe itching and pain.
Up to 40% of psoriasis sufferers also experience joint inflammation, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis.
Treating psoriasis often entails treating the underlying cause, which can lead to an overall improvement in your well-being. The condition does not have a cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments.
Severe psoriasis may respond to certain light and laser treatments, prescription oral medications, and immune-modulating "biologic" medications. These interventions slow down your skin’s production of skin cells, limiting the formation of plaques. As a result, symptoms are reduced to improve your comfort and quality of life.
To explore the possible underlying factors that contribute to your psoriasis and receive expert treatment, call Associated Dermatologists or schedule an appointment online today.