The rashes are slightly raised, red with a lot of white flakes. There is a clear line between where the rash starts and where it ends. The size of each individual skin change can be a few millimeters, but more often a couple of centimeters or larger. Typical places to get psoriasis are elbow tips, knees, scalp, navel, lower back, hands and nails. It can get all over the place. The disease is most often chronic, but in some it can go away after a while. A common variant of psoriasis that often lasts a short time is guttate psoriasis, and then there are countless tight-fitting small rashes on the body that appear quickly.
Psoriasis is considered a type of autoimmune disease, where parts of the body's own immune system have changed activity. There is a strong hereditary component. Infections and other stresses on the body can trigger or worsen psoriasis.
Moisturizer and sun help for most people. Cortisone creams of various strengths must be used by many people and adapted to where on the body they are to be used. Creams with vitamin D-like substances can have a good effect and are safer to use over a longer period of time than strong cortisone creams. Prescription tar shampoo can be useful for some. Medical light treatment (UV-B) by a dermatologist can be very effective, and must be done 2-3 times per week over 2-4 months. The light treatment itself is carried out in a short time, typically 3-5 minutes each time. For those with a lot of psoriasis, tablets or injection treatment are appropriate, and these are treatments that affect the immune system.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
