Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Triggers

If you notice dry, scaly patches on your skin that don’t go away, you could have psoriasis, a common skin condition that needs to be treated by a dermatologist. Dr. Douglass Forsha at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center in South Jordan, UT, offers comprehensive dermatology services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of psoriasis. He proudly serves residents of the Jordan Valley and Salt Lake City areas.

What You Need To Know About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is caused by genetic autoimmune factors which make your body produce excess skin cells too rapidly. The excess skin cells cause dry, scaly, itchy patches to develop on your scalp, elbows, behind your knees and other parts of your body. There are a few issues which can trigger a psoriasis outbreak, including:

• Stress
• An illness
• Experiencing a skin injury
• Excessive exposure to sun
• Excessive exposure to cold or dry weather
• Drinking alcohol or smoking
• Hormonal fluctuations

Your dermatologist is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how much of your body is affected.

Mild psoriasis affects less than 3% of your body. Treatment for mild psoriasis may include:

• Prescription moisturizing creams, shampoos, or bath treatments
• Topical steroid treatments to reduce itching and slow down skin cell growth
• Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to eliminate psoriasis patches

Moderate psoriasis affects 3% to 10% of your body, and severe psoriasis affects over 10% of your body. Treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis may include:

• Prescription oral medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate which lower skin cell production and reduce inflammation
• Biologic drugs to suppress the immune system and reduce psoriasis breakouts
• Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to eliminate psoriasis patches

Want To Know More About Psoriasis?

To discover more about the causes, symptoms, and triggers of psoriasis talk with an expert. Call Dr. Forsha at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center in South Jordan, UT, serving residents of the southwest quadrant of the Salt Lake Valley. You can reach him in the office by calling 801-569-1456, so call today.