Psoriasis in Providence, UT

Dr. Travis James of Providence Dermatology in Providence, UT assists men and women with the treatment and continuing management of psoriasis. This persistent skin condition occurs when your skin cells grow too quickly. Psoriasis causes flaky, red, light-colored patches of skin that may be inflamed, itchy, scaly, and can scab. Normal skin cells cycle and slough off about every four weeks (once a month). For those with psoriasis, cells turnover about every 5 days but are slower to slough off leading to the scaling and plaques seen in psoriasis. They can range in diameter and location on your body, forming on the elbows, knees, hands, head, and lower back.

There are many different forms of psoriasis. One kind called plaque psoriasis is the most commonly experienced. While most cases of psoriasis are believed to be moderate, a few are difficult to cure and may require several therapies throughout a patient's life. It's also important to note that psoriasis isn't contagious and can't be spread from person to person. Once diagnosed, it is merely a matter of managing the symptoms so that flare-ups can be decreased.

Psoriasis presents with various symptoms that can affect different areas of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Elevated red patches: Bright, red patches of skin coated with loose, silver-colored scales are a hallmark of psoriasis.
• Symmetrical plaques: These may appear in the same location on both sides of the body, such as both knees or elbows.
• Scalp involvement: The scalp may show mild scaling or develop thick, crusted plaques.
• Itchiness: Itching often precedes flare-ups, particularly when patches form in skin folds, such as under the breasts or buttocks.
• Skin irritation (Auspitz's sign): Tiny areas of skin irritation can occur if scales are pulled up or scraped off.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may flare up periodically, causing discomfort or irritation.

The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown. However, it is generally believed to involve an overactive immune response that triggers inflammation and excessive skin cell production, leading to flaking and scaling. Psoriasis may also have a genetic component, as about one-third of individuals with the condition have close family members who are also affected. Researchers theorize that specific genes may interact in a way that contributes to the development of psoriasis, but a particular combination of genes and exposure to a trigger is necessary. Symptoms often emerge after triggers such as stress, certain medications, dry weather, or severe sunburn.