Psoriasis Specialist

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the way your body produces skin cells. Normally, your skin produces new skin cells on a steady basis, when old cells shed away and newer skin cells make their way to the surface.

When you have psoriasis, your body creates new skin cells faster than the old ones can shed away. This forces your cells to stack up and build upon the surface of your skin.

While the exact cause of psoriasis isn’t well understood, medical experts believe that some of your white blood cells, known as T-cells (or neutrophils), start attacking healthy skin cells by mistake. These overactive T-cells also increase your production of more skin cells on a rapid basis.

Even though anyone of any age can develop psoriasis, your chances increase if it runs in your family, you have viral or bacterial infections, or if you smoke.

How do I know if I have psoriasis?

Psoriasis leads to a wide variety of skin issues, depending on which kind you have. You may experience just a few spots of scaling or major flare-ups that cover large patches of skin. In general, some of the most common signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches covered in silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin that bleeds easily
• Thickened or ridged nails
• Itching, burning, or severe soreness

Because psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition, you can experience pain and inflammation all over your body. For instance, you might find that during a psoriasis flare-up, your joints become stiff and swollen.

Psoriasis flare-ups can last weeks or months at a time. No matter how minor or how severe your psoriasis may be, you have plenty of options for relief at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

The team of board-certified physicians and specially trained medical experts at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas design psoriasis treatment plans based on your specific symptoms. Your psoriasis treatment can include:

• Topical corticosteroids or retinoids
• Clinical-grade vitamin D creams
• Topical salicylic acid solutions
• Specially designed moisturizers
• Light therapy

Your dedicated practitioner at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas can also prescribe topical medications designed to slow down skin cell growth and help dead skin cells shed away.

Before your psoriasis worsens, schedule an evaluation at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas today. You can either click on the online booking feature or call your nearest office.