The word “psoriasis” comes from the Greek word “psora” which means “to itch.” Itching is one of the most common symptoms associated with the condition. About 70 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis report itching that impacts their overall quality of life.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that creates red patches of skin with white, flaky scales. It most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the United States.

As you can see, this is a condition that affects many people, and we do our absolute best to help our psoriasis patients as much as we possibly can. So what does management and treatment of the condition typically look like?

Causes of Psoriasis & Diagnosis

First, let’s look at why someone might develop this condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, scientists do not know exactly what causes psoriasis. We do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, there is some factor that triggers psoriasis to flare. The skin cells in those with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.

Both men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates. It occurs in all racial groups but at varying rates. The first episode of psoriasis usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 35. It is a chronic condition that will then cycle through flare-ups and remissions throughout the rest of the patient’s life.

We do want to note that psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can “catch” or that others can catch from you. Psoriasis lesions are not infectious.

To diagnose psoriasis, we examine the affected skin. We may take a piece of the affected skin (biopsy) and examine it under the microscope. When biopsied, psoriasis skin looks thicker and inflamed when compared to skin with eczema. We will also talk about your family history since about one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease.

Managing the Itch & Other Symptoms

Itch is present in 70 to 90 percent of psoriasis patients, and it’s a different sensation than that of other skin disorders. Some people describe it as a burning sensation, while others compare it to the feeling of being bitten by fire ants. 

Because of how significant the itch can be in affecting daily life, treating psoriasis itch is one of our main goals. Improving the itch can significantly improve the condition and the ability to cope with it.

Here are some ways to manage the itch and other symptoms:

• Relieve stress: Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, and it can also make the itch worse. This makes relieving stress as much as possible an important skill for people with psoriasis. Stress relief looks different for everyone, but meditation, exercise, and getting outside help from therapists, physical therapists, and others can help.
• Moisturize skin:  This is often the first step we recommend in controlling itch because it can reduce redness and itching to help the skin heal. We may recommend heavy creams and ointments to lock water into the skin. 
• Remove scale and flaking: A scale-softening (keratolytic) product may help reduce excess skin and prevent psoriasis plaques from cracking and flaking. Over-the-counter lotions that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or phenol can help remove scale. This should reduce the itch and make itch-relieving lotions and ointments more effective.
• Take cold showers: Cold showers and cold packs may also offer relief. It’s best to avoid hot showers because hot water can make skin irritation and dryness worse. After a shower, apply lotion to lock in moisture. Some patients like to store lotions in the refrigerator so they can experience the cool feeling on itchy skin.

Prescription Treatments for Psoriasis

Some prescription treatments we may consider include:

• Antihistamines
• Phototherapy
• Steroids
• Biologics
• Excimer laser

Effectively treating psoriasis can reduce psoriasis lesions, stop the itch-scratch cycle, and reduce other symptoms, such as irritation and pain. Many times, a prescription treatment plan combined with at-home remedies results in the best success.

Learn more about the conditions we treat, including psoriasis, in our General Dermatology department. Come see us in person or book your online appointment here on our website. 

Schedule An Appointment To Treat Your Psoriasis

If you are ready to learn more about the dermatology options that may be right for you, schedule a consultation with us here at Rogers Dermatology today by calling 972-704-2400 or booking your appointment online. In doing so, you’re taking the first step on your journey to beautiful, healthy skin.