Psoriasis
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Integrated Dermatology of Clinton
Dermatologists located in Madison, CT
Medical experts estimate that more than 8 million Americans have psoriasis, making it the most common autoimmune disease in the United States. Before struggling with red patches and itchy, scaly skin another day, schedule an evaluation with the board-certified dermatologists at Integrated Dermatology of Clinton. They offer the most advanced and effective psoriasis treatments in Clinton, Connecticut. Click the online scheduler to book your psoriasis appointment, or call the office to speak with a team member.
Psoriasis Q & A
Why does psoriasis occur?
Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin condition that occurs because the life cycle of your skin cells speeds up. Normally, older skin cells get pushed to the surface, shed away, and newer cells move up on a regular basis.
When you have psoriasis, skin cells develop so rapidly, older cells don’t get the opportunity to slough off. This causes a “backup” of cells where they start to stack up on top of one another. The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t well-known, although medical experts believe that the condition is linked to an inflammatory response.
You have specialized white blood cells, known as T cells, that defend your body. But with psoriasis, those T cells start overreacting and attacking otherwise healthy cells.
Because those abnormally functioning T cells think a wound is occurring — they did just attack healthy tissue, after all — they simultaneously trigger the rapid development of new skin cells. These effects all lead to the scaly patches that form when you have psoriasis.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The signs and symptoms you experience during a psoriasis flare-up can vary from mild to severe. Depending on which type of psoriasis you have and where on your body it occurs, you may experience:
- Patches of thickened skin
- Thickened or ridged nails
- Dry cracked skin that bleeds easily
- Red patches that are covered in silvery scales
Because psoriasis is an inflammatory response that affects your entire body, you can even start experiencing painful, tender, and sore joints. If you’re experiencing any of these psoriasis-related issues, the dedicated dermatology team at Integrated Dermatology of Clinton can help.
Is there an effective treatment for psoriasis?
Yes. Your personalized psoriasis treatment plan is designed to help relieve any current pain and inflammation you may have, as well as to decrease your risk of future flare-ups. Depending on your specific case of psoriasis, your treatment plan may include:
- Light therapy
- Topical retinoids
- Vitamin D analog cream
- Specialized moisturizers
- Topical corticosteroids
- Medications to slow down skin cell growth
Your dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Clinton even counsels you on lifestyle changes you can make to help soothe your skin.
Before living another day with psoriasis, see how the team at Integrated Dermatology of Clinton can help. You can request your psoriasis evaluation online or over the phone.