Effective Psoriasis Treatment to Transform Your Skin
Psoriasis is a persistent autoimmune skin disorder marked by red, inflamed areas with silvery scales. At Magnolia Dermatology in Clarksville, Tennessee, our dedicated team offers comprehensive treatment options to manage psoriasis effectively and improve skin health.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, which triggers the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly lesions on the skin’s exterior. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
- Red, inflamed patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Burning, itching, or soreness in affected areas
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or become painful
- Thickened or pitted nails
- Joint pain or stiffness (in cases of psoriatic arthritis)
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
- Topical Treatments: Prescription creams, ointments, or gels containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids can help reduce inflammation, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis
- Phototherapy (Light Therapy): Exposure of the skin to UV (ultraviolet) light can slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Both natural sunlight and artificial light sources can be used
- Oral Medications: Methotrexate, cyclosporine, or acitretin may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases that do not respond to topical treatments or phototherapy
- Biologic Therapies: Drugs such as TNF-alpha inhibitors or interleukin inhibitors target specific immune responses involved in psoriasis and can effectively control symptoms in severe cases
- Systemic Treatments: Oral retinoids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells throughout the body
Connection between Inflammatory Disease and Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis is not only a skin condition but also an inflammatory disease that can affect other parts of the body, including the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a common complication of psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Proper management of psoriasis is essential to reduce the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis and alleviate joint symptoms in affected individuals.
At Magnolia Dermatology in Clarksville, TN, we are committed to helping individuals manage their psoriasis successfully and improve their overall quality of life. Contact us at (931) 551-2929 to schedule an appointment.