What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, is much more than just dry skin. The constant discomfort, irritation, and confidence loss derived from this complex skin condition are all symptoms that can be examined and treated with the assistance of Dermatology of Seattle & Bellevue. With equipment like the state-of-the-art Pharos Laser, revolutionary UVB phototherapy and advanced biologics Dermatology of Seattle is are able to offer faster, safer, less expensive, and better overall treatment of psoriasis.
Even though there is no complete cure for psoriasis, there are plenty of options to reduce discomfort and increase your confidence. Our psoriasis dermatologists at Dermatology of Seattle & Bellevue know how this condition can impact your quality of life, and will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that best fits both your condition and your budget.
Psoriasis Treatment
Dermatology of Seattle is proud to offer several state-of-the-art options for treatment. The Pharos laser is a dramatic advancement in the treatment of psoriasis as it is capable of treating the harder
areas of the body like knees and elbows. By precisely targeting lesions healthy skin is not exposed to treatment and symptoms can be relieved in as few as four treatments. Narrowband UVB has also proven to be the most effective and consistent phototherapy treatment for psoriasis sufferers. Dermatology of Seattle has created an entire department that dedicates their time solely to UVB treatment. As always, Dermatology of Seattle will be sure to contact your insurance provider to verify coverage before beginning any form of treatment.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
Also known as Chronic Stationary Psoriasis, this is the most common form of psoriasis. The scaly areas known as “plaques” are often found on the scalp, back, elbows, or knees. Coverage can vary from small patches to total body coverage. The immune system, family history or genetics, and environmental factors all play into the presence of plaque psoriasis. Some basic symptoms include burning, skin tightness, pain, or stinging in red patches of skin.
Guttate Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is identified by several small, scaly, reddish lesions called papules. Typically appearing over large areas of the body like the torso or limbs, Guttate psoriasis can be triggered by streptococcal infections although the relationship between the two is not wholly understood.
Inverse Psoriasis
Can be referred to as flexural psoriasis. This develops as smooth but inflamed patches of skin around the genitals, armpits, or in the skin folds under the abdomen, breasts, or buttocks. Excessive heat, injury, and infection are possible contributors to the development of inverse psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis
Appearing as raised bumps that fill with a non-infectious pus composed of white blood cells. The skin surrounding the raised area is typically tender to the touch and red. This is a relatively uncommon form of psoriasis.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
This can be the exacerbated result of unstable plaque psoriasis, specifically if experiencing the sudden withdrawal of glucocorticoids, a steroid used to reduce inflammation. In extreme cases this type of psoriasis can be fatal due to the extreme inflammation and the disruption to the body’s natural abilities to maintain proper temperature and perform immunity based barrier functions.
Nail Psoriasis
Many of those with psoriasis can also experience a number of changes to the appearance of their finger and toe nails. Patients with psoriatic arthritis are more susceptible to experiencing nail psoriasis. Changes include the appearance of pinhead-sized craters in the nail known as pitting, whitening of the nail itself, small areas of bleeding underneath the nail, drying or loosening of the nail and sometimes separation of the nail entirely.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This chronic inflammatory arthritis typically involves a painful swelling of the connective tissue surrounding the joints of the body. Most commonly affected areas are fingers and toes, and may result in excessive swelling. Psoriatic arthritis also impacts hips, knees and the spine.
How Psoriasis can affect life
Psoriasis sufferers are impacted by more than just the discomfort and appearance of psoriasis. Often patients can lose confidence, feel discouraged, or embarrassed by their psoriasis. If you have been self-conscious about your psoriasis, we are here to help. At Dermatology of Seattle, we offer more than just treatment of the symptoms — we can help someone get enough confidence back to truly live their lives.