Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes considerable discomfort, itches, and may result in cracking and bleeding. Though it cannot be cured , under the medical supervision of Dr. Howard L. Brooks, it can be controlled.

Psoriasis is generally characterized by flaking, redness and inflammation of the skin. Though it affects over 7 million people in the U.S. alone, its exact causes are unknown. Research suggests, however, that the immune system has something to do with it.

Psoriasis symptoms are typically where the skin becomes inflamed, with red, thickened areas and silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back

Psoriasis can appear in several forms and can range in intensity from mild to severe. It can occur anywhere on the skin, most frequently on the scalp, lower back, knees and elbows. If you are suffering from psoriasis please consider calling our practice, Dr. Brooks can help ease the symptoms and manage your condition.

Symptoms

There are several types of psoriasis. Symptoms for each type may vary in severity and appear in a wide array of combinations. In general, the major symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Bright red areas of raised patches (plaques) on the skin, often covered with loose, silvery scales. Plaques can occur anywhere, but commonly they occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back.
  
  Nearly 90% of people with psoriasis have this type of psoriasis.
  
  
• Similar plaques in the same area on both sides of the body (for example, both knees or both elbows).
  
  
• Flare-ups of many raindrop-shaped patches. Called guttate psoriasis, this condition often follows a strep infection and is the second most common type of psoriasis. It affects less than 10% of those with psoriasis.
  • Tiny areas of bleeding when skin scales are picked or scraped off
  • Mild scaling to thick, crusted plaques on the scalp.
  • Itching, especially during sudden flare-ups or when the psoriasis patches are in body folds, such as under the breasts or buttocks.
    
    
• Nail disorders. Nail disorders are common, especially in severe psoriasis. Nail symptoms include:
  • Tiny pits in the nails (not found with fungal nail infections).
  • Yellowish discoloration of the toenails and sometimes the fingernails.
  • Separation of the end of the nail from the nail bed.
  • Less often, a buildup of skin debris under the nails.
    
    
• Joint swelling, tenderness, and pain

If you would like to enhance your appearance or if you simply have questions, please contact us. Dr. Howard L. Brooks is Washington DC's Top Cosmetic Dermatologists' and a leading expert in complexion blending, facial correction and dermatology ( click here to see our before and after pictures). You can turn back the hands of time with facial transformation: Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Dysport, Perlane, Restylane, Latisse , please call us today for your complimentary consultation. We would like to provide you with the most current information on skincare and help you achieve the best results.