Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin when skin growth accelerates due to faulty signals from the immune system. The disease can appear on any part of the body. Although there is no known cause of psoriasis, it is believed that the immune system and genetics play a large role in its development. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 2% of the population has been diagnosed with psoriasis; it most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 25. The prevalence of psoriasis in African Americans is 1.3%, compared to 2.5% of Caucasians. Four types of treatments are generally used to treat psoriasis: topical corticosteroids and Vitamin D analogs, phototherapy and oral immune suppressive agents. The Institute specializes in phototherapy for psoriasis, using narrow band phototherapy, or less often psoralen photo chemotherapy.
Patients with psoriasis have red patches of skin with white, flaky scales appear on their body. It can be observed on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can be potentially appear anywhere on the body. There are five types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque Psoriasis – Classified as inflamed, red lesions covered by silvery-white scales
- Guttate Psoriasis – Affects mostly children and young adults. Develops from stress, strep throat, tonsillitis, or skin injury.
- Inverse Psoriasis – Appears as bright red lesions under the armpits, breasts, groin, or skin folds on genitals and buttocks.
- Pustular Psoriasis – Characterized as white blisters with pus surrounded by red skin.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis – An inflamed form of psoriasis that appears as fiery, red skin that shed in white sheets. It is easy and can cause mild pain.
If psoriasis only covers less than 10% of the body, it is classified as a mild case. Patients can find treatments through medications, topical products, light therapy, or more. Schedule a visit with a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis in the Los Angeles area to learn more about how psoriasis can be treated.
