Psoriasis
Because your skin deserves the best care
Psoriasis
Welcome to Dermatology in Edmonton, dedicated to providing comprehensive skin care information. Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition, manifests as red, scaly patches that can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Common in Edmonton’s climate, managing psoriasis requires personalized treatment plans, which may include topical therapies, light therapy, or systemic medications. Our experts specialize in tailoring strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve skin health, ensuring a better quality of life for those affected.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, causing it to develop red, thickened patches covered with silvery scales. This condition arises when the immune system mistakenly speeds up the skin cell turnover process, leading to the rapid accumulation of cells on the surface. As a result, these excess skin cells create the characteristic raised patches and scales. Psoriasis can vary in severity, from mild to severe, and may also affect nails and joints. While the exact cause is not fully understood, genetics and environmental factors play a role. Management typically involves a combination of topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications.
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis presents in various forms, each with distinct characteristics. Some common types include
Plaque Psoriasis
The most prevalent form, marked by raised, red patches covered with silvery scales. These often occur on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Guttate Psoriasis
Typically triggered by infections, this type results in small, drop-like lesions on the skin, often appearing after streptococcal throat infections.
Inverse Psoriasis
Found in skin folds like the armpits and groin, it causes smooth, red lesions that worsen with friction and sweating.
Pustular Psoriasis
Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin, this type can be localized or affect larger areas of the body.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Rare but severe, it leads to widespread redness, shedding of skin, and can be life-threatening.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This type combines skin symptoms with joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Recognizing the specific type is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Conditions We Treat
Causes of Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is considered a complex interplay of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. Here are some key contributing factors
Family history plays a significant role. If you have a close relative with psoriasis, your risk of developing the condition is higher.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation.
Infections (especially streptococcal infections), injuries to the skin (cuts, burns), and certain medications can trigger psoriasis or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Emotional stress can lead to flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms in some individuals.
Cold and dry climates, as well as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, have been associated with a higher risk of developing psoriasis or making existing symptoms worse.
Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty or pregnancy, can influence the onset or severity of psoriasis.
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of psoriasis, and it can also make existing symptoms more severe.
Our Acne Treatment Approach
Our Psoriasis Approach in Edmonton is centered on providing comprehensive and personalized care to individuals dealing with this chronic skin condition. Recognizing that psoriasis varies from person to person, we initiate the process with a meticulous assessment, delving into the type, severity, triggers, and overall health factors. This assessment serves as the cornerstone for crafting a tailored treatment plan.
Our experienced dermatologists then customize treatment strategies designed to effectively manage psoriasis symptoms, enhance skin health, and improve your overall quality of life. We offer a variety of treatment options, including topical therapies to directly target affected areas, phototherapy for controlled exposure to ultraviolet light, and systemic medications for moderate to severe cases.Our commitment is to empower you in your psoriasis journey, providing not only effective treatment but also the support and expertise needed to manage this condition successfully. Psoriasis can be challenging, but with our approach, you can expect comprehensive care that takes your unique needs into account, ultimately helping you achieve improved skin health and well-being.
Treatment Options
We prescribe creams, ointments, and lotions containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, and calcineurin inhibitors. These medications are applied directly to the affected skin to reduce inflammation, scaling, and itching.
Our clinic offers controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light as a targeted treatment. UVB and PUVA (psoralen combined with UVA) therapies slow down the excessive growth of skin cells, alleviating psoriasis symptoms.
For moderate to severe cases, oral medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and oral retinoids can be prescribed. Biologics, administered through injections or infusions, target specific immune system components to manage psoriasis.
Our dermatologists may recommend combining different treatments for enhanced results. This can involve combining topical treatments, systemic medications, and light therapy.
We guide you on adopting a skin-friendly lifestyle, which includes stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding triggers that worsen symptoms.
Biologics are advanced medications that specifically target components of the immune system involved in psoriasis. These treatments are highly effective for many individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis.
These medications target the immune response in psoriasis and are often used in sensitive areas like the face, armpits, and groin.
Get Free Consultation With Our Experts
In conclusion, our Edmonton Dermatology clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for psoriasis. With a range of advanced treatments, including topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic medications, and supportive approaches, we strive to enhance your skin health and overall well-being. Our experienced team is committed to guiding you on your journey to manage psoriasis effectively, ensuring a better quality of life and renewed confidence in your skin’s appearance. Your comfort and skin health are our top priorities.
FAQ
Psoriasis is a complex interplay of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. Family history, infections, stress, and lifestyle factors can contribute.
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It's an autoimmune condition, not an infection, so you can't catch it from someone else.
Psoriasis symptoms include red, raised patches with silvery scales, itching, pain, and sometimes joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis).
Currently, there is no known cure for psoriasis. However, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve skin health.
Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis through visual examination, medical history, and sometimes a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
As the leading dermatologists in Edmonton, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments and therapies to address various skin concerns. Whether you’re seeking medical dermatology, cosmetic enhancements, or skin rejuvenation, we have the expertise to guide you on your journey to healthier, more radiant skin.