What Causes Psoriasis Symptoms?
If you have scaly, red, itchy patches on your skin, you could have psoriasis, an autoimmune disease. Our dermatologist can help you get relief from psoriasis symptoms. Drs. David Horvath, Brian Horvath, and Gretchen Kreizenbeck at Horvath Dermatology Associates in Pittsburgh, PA, provide a wide range of dermatology services, including diagnosis, management, and treatment of psoriasis.
What You Need To Know About Psoriasis
Psoriasis symptoms are caused by your body producing too many skin cells too quickly. The overgrowth of skin cells causes dry, scaly, red, itchy patches. The psoriasis patches can form on your scalp, elbows, knees, and other areas of your body, causing mild to severe discomfort. There are some factors that can trigger a psoriasis breakout. These include:
- Stress
- Illness
- Skin injuries
- Excessive sun exposure
- Excessive cold or dry weather exposure
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Hormone level changes
Our dermatologist will recommend various treatments, depending on the severity of symptoms and how much of your body is affected. For example:
Mild psoriasis affects less than 3% of your body. For mild psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Over-the-counter or prescription moisturizing creams, shampoos, or bath products
- Topical steroid medications to reduce itch and slow skin cell growth
- Light or laser therapy to eliminate psoriasis patches
Moderate psoriasis affects 3% to 10% of your body. For moderate psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Prescription-strength oral medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate, lower the production of skin cells and reduce inflammation
- Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to help eliminate psoriasis patches
Severe psoriasis affects over 10% of your body. For severe psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Biologic drugs to suppress the immune system
- Light therapy using natural sunlight, lasers, or phototherapy to eliminate psoriasis patches
Want To Know More?
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of psoriasis and how our dermatologist can help, call Drs. David Horvath, Brian Horvath, and Gretchen Kreizenbeck at Horvath Dermatology Associates in Pittsburgh, PA. You can reach them in the office by calling (412) 831-3300, so call today.