Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that’s itchy, sometimes painful, and frequently embarrassing. It can also affect your joints, so early treatment from Dr. Erik B. Hurst at his Center for Dermatology practice is essential to keep your psoriasis managed and protect your overall health. If you have thick, scaly patches on your skin, call to make an appointment in Martinsburg, West Virginia, or Hagerstown, Maryland.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that develops when your immune system sends signals to your skin that make it grow more quickly than usual. The rapidly growing skin cells accumulate, creating a patch of psoriasis, which is a thickened area of skin that becomes covered in scales.
While psoriasis can appear at any age, it often occurs between the ages of 15 and 30. Although you’re most likely to have it on your face, scalp, palms, elbows, knees, and the soles of your feet, it can affect any part of your body.
You may only have a few small spots of psoriasis, or it can spread to cover a large area. Psoriasis typically goes through cycles, so your symptoms may worsen for a time, then subside or go into remission.
You’ll experience one or more of these symptoms:
Many patients find that their psoriasis breaks out or worsens from exposure to specific triggers such as:
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, clear your skin, and stop the overgrowth of skin cells. Dr. Hurst creates an individualized treatment plan that’s customized to meet your needs. Besides helping you identify triggers, your plan may include one or more of these treatment options:
When you notice an unusual patch of skin anywhere on your body, call Dr. Hurst to make an appointment so you can get started on a treatment plan that keeps your skin healthy.
