Psoriasis Specialist

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition brought on by an overactive immune system. It causes thick, flaky patches of skin. With advances in medical treatment for psoriasis, many people can minimize their skin flare-ups. The dermatologists at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Cumming, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Johns Creek, Lavonia, Toccoa, and Canton, Georgia, provide the most current treatments for psoriasis and can help you manage the skin conditions. Call today or schedule an appointment online at the office nearest you.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes flaky, inflamed, thick, scaly patches of skin, usually on the elbows, knees, and scalp.

It’s a chronic skin condition caused by an immune system malfunction that triggers skin cells to regenerate faster than normal. The overabundance of skin cells creates scaly patches of skin.

Psoriasis tends to go through cycles. You alternate between periods of flare-ups where you have skin breakouts and remissions where your skin is clear.

What kinds of psoriasis are there?

The many kinds of psoriasis affect the skin in different ways, and it’s possible to have more than one kind.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common kind, causing thick, scaly patches of skin.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis causes small, circular, scaly lesions on the trunk, arms, and legs. This psoriasis is more common in children and usually develops after an infection.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is uncommon and causes pus-filled lesions that can affect the entire body or small sections. 

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis causes painful, red patches in areas where skin touches skin, like under the arms, breasts, or groin folds.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis causes a red, peeling, itchy rash covering the entire body.

Psoriatic arthritis

Though not a skin condition, people with psoriasis are at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissues, causing inflammation and pain.

You can have psoriatic arthritis without having psoriasis.

How is psoriasis treated?

Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology customizes your psoriasis treatment plan after a thorough exam. The specifics of your treatment depend on which kind of psoriasis you have and how severe and frequent your outbreaks are.

Treatments for psoriasis include:

• Topical creams, lotions, or ointments containing corticosteroids
• Vitamin D creams
• Retinoids
• Methotrexate — slows down skin cell growth
• Immunosuppressants
• Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) — suppresses rapid skin cell turnover
• Phototherapy

One of the most significant advances in psoriasis treatment is biologics. Made from living cells, biologics target the specific parts of the immune system that play a role in psoriasis.

Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology offers the latest biologics to help their patients manage their psoriasis.

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about psoriasis treatments.