Psoriasis in Providence, UT
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Contact UsWhat is Psoriasis?
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.
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
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.
What are the Treatment Options for Psoriasis?
Although there's no cure for psoriasis, you'll find an assortment of treatments available to manage the condition based on the severity and variety of psoriasis you are experiencing. Mild cases can be treated with prescription lotions, creams, and ointments. If your head is affected, shampoos, sprays, and oils may be used. Systemic medications are prescription medications that are taken orally or injected and work throughout the body. They are typically used for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dr. James has received extensive training and is very comfortable in the use and monitoring of these medications and speaks at a national level regarding these medications.
Providence Dermatology Reviews
Best Dermatologist in the valley. My daughters had skin issue and no one could figure it out but Dr James did. My son was born preemie and had so many medical issues. Dr James was the first doctor to just sit with me and explain as much as he could even things outside of his field. His knowledge is vast in the medical field. When no one would help he did. I cannot recommend him enough!
Dr. James was very thorough and professional during my examination. He and his staff are very nice which made it a good experience!
Dr James has been amazing at helping my son. I appreciate how quickly I'm able to get an appointment. He is a very caring doctor who listens and never makes us feel rushed or like a burden. His office staff is equally kind and helpful. I drive all the way across town to see him and he is worth it. Highly recommend.
The staff is so nice! As soon as I came in, I felt welcome. The office helped me with the signing in and didn’t make me feel stupid. I didn’t have to wait. As soon as Dr James walked in, I felt comfortable. He has an amazing bedside manner. He listened to what I had to say. He knew exactly what to do and gave me all my options. I am recommending him to everyone. Actually, I already have started!
Krista is absolutely wonderful. She is so kind. I had never had Laser Hair Removal and she was so great explaining everything to me. She doesn’t make you feel dumb for asking questions as well. I would 100% recommend her for anyone looking for awesome services.
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Learn More About Providence Dermatology
About UsWe Can Help Manage Your Psoriasis
Psoriasis may be embarrassing and uncomfortable, making it hard for you to complete simple tasks in your daily life. If that is the case, we encourage you to call Providence Dermatology whenever you get a chance. At a consultation with Dr. James, your condition can be assessed and a treatment plan personalized to make your symptoms tolerable and your quality of life even better.
Psoriasis FAQs
How do I know which psoriasis treatment option is right for me?
During your consultation at Providence Dermatology, Dr. James will evaluate the current state of your psoriasis to ensure you receive the ideal treatment. Once your personalized treatment plan has been created, he will also monitor you throughout your treatment process and make any necessary changes to your plan as needed. Your exact treatment may vary depending on your psoriasis's severity, type, and location.
Can stress trigger psoriasis?
Yes, stress can be a trigger for a psoriasis flare-up. Though it may not be the main cause, stress can worsen psoriasis. Managing your stress can be very beneficial for keeping your psoriasis at bay.
What does psoriasis look like?
Though it can look different from patient to patient, psoriasis typically looks like red or pink, scaly patches of skin. It can also be extremely itchy and cause flaking of the skin. During your appointment, Dr. James can evaluate your skin to determine if you have psoriasis and what course of treatment is ideal for you.