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Developing a rash that doesn’t go away? Consider contacting your provider.
Psoriasis causes red, scaly, raised patches on the skin – most commonly on the outside of elbows, knees, and scalp. The exact cause is unknown; however, the immune system and genetics play a key role in developing this disease. Psoriasis is not contagious, and the skin lesions are not infectious. While you can manage symptoms of Psoriasis, there is no cure.
Signs & Symptoms:
· Red patches of skin with thick, silvery scales
· Itching, soreness, or burning
· Swollen and stiff joints
· Dry, cracked skin
· Thickened, ridged or pitted nails
Diagnosis is made from an examination by your provider or dermatologist, sometimes a biopsy may be taken.
Treatments include:
· Topicals – Applied to skin. Usually the first treatment option.
· Phototherapy – Exposing the skin to ultraviolet light in a Psoriasis clinic, doctor’s office, or at home with phototherapy unit.
· Systemics – Taken orally or by injection for moderate-severe Psoriasis
· Biologics – Given by injection or IV infusion for moderate-severe Psoriasis
· New oral treatments available
· Complementary & Alternative treatments
Resources: psoriasis.org, mayclinic.org
By Aubrie Keller, RN
Adair County Health System
The information provided on the Adair County Health System’s Blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care. If you have specific needs, please see a professional health care provider. Any references to products, services, or health care providers on this web site are not a recommendation or endorsement of products, services or providers. Links to other Web sites from this site are provided for convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement. Effort is taken to insure accurate information, however we cannot guarantee completeness or timeliness.
