Roxborough, October 29, 2022 - Today is world Psoriasis Day, Ladan A. Straker, MD, FAAD raises awareness about Psoriasis that affects millions of children, teens, and adults everyday Dermatology Partners-Roxborough
Roxborough, October 29, 2022
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, long-term chronic disease with no cure. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, even on the eyelids, ears, lips, skin folds, hands, feet, and nails. Plaques can be a few small patches or can affect large areas. It’s possible to have psoriasis plaques and scales in more than one location on the body at a time. Symptoms often start between ages 15 and 25, but can start at any age. Men, women, and children of all skin colors can get psoriasis. People with psoriasis may also experience other health conditions. There are many common triggers, symptoms, and types of psoriasis. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms and you can try lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis. It’s important to treat psoriasis early to help avoid permanent joint damage, learn more from board certified dermatologist Dr. Ladan Straker.
Causes and Triggers
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes skin cells to grow faster than usual. The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but we do know that the immune system and genetics play a role in the development of psoriasis. We do know that psoriasis is not contagious. Usually, something triggers psoriasis, causing symptoms to appear or worsen and triggers can vary from person to person. Anyone can develop psoriasis. About a third of instances begin in childhood. These factors can increase the risk of developing the disease:
Infections - strep throat or skin infections
Weather - cold, dry conditions
Injury to the skin - a cut, scrape, bug bite, or a severe sunburn
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Heavy alcohol consumption
Certain medications - including lithium, high blood pressure drugs, and antimalarial drugs
Rapid withdrawal of oral or injected corticosteroids
What are the symptoms?
Dry, cracked skin that can bleed
Pitted or thickened nails
Itching, burning, or soreness
Small scaling spots - commonly seen in children
Patchy rash - varies from person to person in color and ranging from spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions over much of the body
Cyclic rashes - flare for a few weeks or months and then subside
Types of psoriasis:
There are several types of psoriasis, each of which varies in its signs and symptoms:
Plaque psoriasis - (The most common type of psoriasis) causes dry, itchy, raised skin patches covered with scales. They usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. The patches vary in color, depending on skin color.
Guttate psoriasis - primarily affects young adults and children. It's usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It's marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the trunk, arms or legs.
Inverse psoriasis - mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. It causes smooth patches of inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
Nail psoriasis - can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe disease may cause the nail to crumble.
Pustular psoriasis - is a rare type, causes clearly defined pus-filled blisters. It can occur in widespread patches or on small areas of the palms or soles.
Erythrodermic psoriasis - (The least common type of psoriasis) can cover the entire body with a peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. It can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic).
It’s possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at one time and more than one type in a lifetime. Treatments may vary depending on the type and location of the psoriasis.
When to seek medical help:
If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, see your local dermatologist. Also seek help if your condition:
Becomes severe or widespread
Causes you discomfort and pain
Causes you concern about the appearance of your skin
Doesn’t improve with treatment
As with other chronic diseases, psoriasis may affect areas of your life other than your physical health. Psoriasis may affect your emotional health, your relationships, and how you handle stress. It could even affect areas of your life that you wouldn’t expect, such as the clothes that you choose to wear. For some people, living with psoriasis can be a challenge. However, there are ways to handle those challenges so you can thrive with psoriasis.
Our dedicated and passionate team at Dermatology Partners treats a full spectrum of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails and specialize in the detection and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery. Our offices also offer immediate appointments, so you do not have to wait weeks to get an appointment with one of our providers if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of psoriasis.
Ladan Straker, MD, FAAD provides a full range of dermatologic care including medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. She treats a variety of medical conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and various other conditions. She also performs a variety of cosmetic procedures including botox, chemical peels, micro-needling and platelet-rich plasma. Dr. Ladan Straker enjoys providing care to both adult and pediatric patients and is most passionate about cancer screenings, treatment of skin cancer, and performing surgical excisions.
Schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable providers, Dr. Ladan Straker at Dermatology Partners - Roxborough located in the Jamestown Medical Building at 525 Jamestown St Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19128 or at our Bryn Mawr location located at 945 Haverford Rd Suite B, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. To schedule with Dr. Ladan Straker, call us at (888) 895-3376 or visit www.dermpartners.comto schedule online.
Dermatology Partners is a physician-led dermatology group with locations throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware. Its providers treat a full spectrum of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails and specialize in the detection and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery. The organization prides itself on its ability to offer patients immediate appointments so there is no need to wait weeks or months to receive care.
Dermatology Partners is the region’s fastest-growing dermatology practice with 28 offices in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since 2012, Derm Partners has been dedicated to providing exceptional and leading-edge dermatology services to patients with its growing, talented team of medical practitioners. Dermatology Partners specializes in the detection and treatment of skin cancers and treats a full spectrum of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. To find out more about Dermatology Partners, or to book an appointment at one of their convenient locations in PA or DE, visit www.dermpartners.com or call (888) 895-3376.
