Psoriasis Treatment in Chevy Chase

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can have wide-reaching effects on a person’s life.

In fact, many men and women living with psoriasis find that its social, personal, cosmetic, medical, and psychological impact can fluctuate based on the severity of their symptoms.

For this reason, it’s important for patients to periodically assess how much time and energy they are devoting to their psoriasis. This information can then help them make necessary adjustments to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Here’s what individuals living with psoriasis should consider when evaluating their current treatment regimen.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces skin cells more quickly than normal. This increased cellular activity then causes dead skin to build up and form patches.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Psoriasis?

Patients with psoriasis can present in a variety of ways. The condition can appear as red patches of skin with silvery scales (plaques) or as dry and cracked skin.

It can also affect finger and toe nails, causing them to become thick and discolored. Patients may also experience psoriasis-related joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

How Can Psoriasis Affect Quality of Life?

Patients that are living with psoriasis may experience physical discomfort, self-consciousness about their appearance, stigmatization, depression, anxiety, and interference in their daily functioning.

More specifically, when symptoms are not properly controlled, psoriasis can disrupt social activities, relationships with friends, family, and spouse, work or school responsibilities, and daily tasks such as housekeeping, child care, and errands.

Can Psoriasis Be Cured?

While patients can undergo periods of flare-ups and remission, psoriasis is a chronic condition and there is no known cure.

However, it is a highly treatable disorder and effective solutions can limit overactive cell reproduction, soothe itching and inflammation, and remove excess dead skin from the body.

How to Control Psoriasis Flare-Ups?

Patients can identify and manage their psoriasis triggers which often include: Bacterial or viral infections, injury, stress, smoking, alcohol, vitamin D deficiency, and certain medications such as lithium.

If psoriasis symptoms are impacting your quality of life, please call The West Institute today to schedule an appointment.