Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that causes the body to make new skin cells too quickly, causing a pile-up of cells that form thick patches on the skin.

It can be triggered by stress, a skin injury, an infection, heavy drinking, tobacco use, weather and some medications. The state of a person’s immune system and genetics also play a role.

Psoriasis may look contagious, but it’s not. You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone who has it. To get psoriasis, a person must inherit the genes that cause it.

The most common type is plaque psoriasis, a condition that creates thick, scaly, silvery-white patches or plaques on the skin. These itchy patches are most often found on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. Psoriasis of the scalp is especially common.

Psoriasis is caused by a complex imbalance in the immune system that drives the formation of plaques.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but True Dermatology can customize a treatment plan to help reduce flare-ups.

Treatments — such as ointments, oral medications or light therapy — can remove the scales and stop skin cells from growing so quickly.