Psoriasis in Boston, MA

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, light-colored patches of skin when skin cells grow too quickly, forming what is known as plaque. The skin is usually itchy, inflamed, scaly, and can even scab. These patches of skin can range in diameter and location, most often forming around the elbows, knees, hands, scalp, and lower back. There are a variety of forms of psoriasis, including guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic, but the most common form is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is normally characterized by thick, red patches of skin with silver or white scaly patches. All forms of psoriasis will typically get worse if scratched.

The primary cause of psoriasis hasn't been discovered yet, however, it's thought that the immune system panics, causing inflammation and flaking of the skin. It's also believed that psoriasis might be genetic. Roughly 1/3 of the people with psoriasis have at least one family member with it as well. Scientists believe that when certain genes interact with each other, it fuels psoriasis. However, in order to develop psoriasis, a person needs to inherit the ideal mixture of genes and then get exposed to a specific trigger. Some triggers could be from a stressful occasion, taking certain medicines, dry weather, or even a bad sunburn. It's important to note that psoriasis is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

Psoriasis can be irritating, painful, and embarrassing, making it hard for you to complete simple tasks in your daily life. If that is the case for you, contact Skin Center Boston. Dr. Doktor can review and diagnose your symptoms and create a treatment plan customized to make your symptoms tolerable and your quality of life better. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Common psoriasis symptoms include reddish patches of skin that are elevated and covered with loose and silvery scales. Plaques may also appear in the same place on each side of the body, such as on both knees or both arms. Symptoms can also appear on the scalp. Itching commonly occurs prior to flare-ups, particularly when psoriatic patches arise in body folds underneath the buttocks or breasts. Tiny areas of skin irritation may happen when scales are picked or scratched off. Skin Center Boston is trained to help treat men, women, and children in the Boston, Cambridge, Harvard, MA and surrounding areas who have signs of psoriasis.

Though there's not a known cure for psoriasis, there are numerous treatment options available. Mild cases may be cleared with prescription creams, ointments, and lotions. When the head is affected, oils, shampoos, and sprays may help clear symptoms. Systemic drugs are prescription drugs that are taken by mouth or injected, which work through the entire body used in many patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In addition, advances in laser treatment have provided huge advances for a number of psoriasis cases. Employing phototherapy to expose a patient's skin to a specialized ultraviolet light helps minimize symptoms. Whether mild or severe, dermatologist Dr. Vladyslava Doktor is skilled in diagnosing and treating psoriasis at her Boston, MA office, Skin Center Boston.