Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the body to produce skin cells at an accelerated rate, leading to the buildup of thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. These patches can appear red, itchy, inflamed, or silvery, and may affect various parts of the body including the scalp, elbows, knees, back, and nails. It is not contagious but often runs in families and can be triggered by stress, infections, medications, or injury to the skin.
There are several types, including:
- Guttate Psoriasis – Small, drop-shaped lesions
- Inverse Psoriasis – Smooth, red patches in skin folds (e.g., underarms, groin)
- Pustular Psoriasis – White pustules surrounded by red skin
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis – A rare but serious form causing widespread redness and shedding of the skin
- Nail Psoriasis – Causes discoloration, pitting, and nail detachment
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
- Visual examination of the skin, nails, or scalp
- Medical history, including family history and triggers
- In some cases, a skin biopsy may be done to rule out other skin disorders
Common Symptoms Include:
- Raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Discoloration or pitting of fingernails and toenails
- Flare-ups triggered by stress, illness, cold weather, or skin trauma
It can also be linked to psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in addition to skin symptoms.
Treatments
Treatment depends on severity and the type of psoriasis. While there is no cure, the condition can be well-managed with a combination of therapies.
Infusion Therapy Options
At Infusion Specialists, we provide biologic infusion therapies that target the specific immune pathways involved in psoriasis. These treatments are especially beneficial for helping more severe symptoms when topical treatments and oral medications are ineffective. These medications help reduce inflammation and slow down the overproduction of skin cells.
Additional Treatment Options:
- Topical treatments: corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar
- Phototherapy: controlled exposure to ultraviolet light
- Oral medications: methotrexate, cyclosporine, or newer small-molecule therapies
- Lifestyle support: stress management, moisturizing, and avoiding known triggers