Psoriasis in Rosedale and Serving White Marsh & Essex, MD
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes your body to make skin cells too rapidly. The excess skin cells result in scaly, itchy patches on your body. Our dermatologists at Baltimore Center for Skin Cancer and Skincare can help treat your psoriasis symptoms.
Characteristics of Psoriasis
Psoriasis patches can develop anywhere on your body. The most common areas of your body which may be affected are your:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Lower back
- Scalp
Psoriasis patches can form single small patches or come together to make one large area. Psoriasis patches can itch severely and be extremely uncomfortable.
Classification of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the percentage of your body that is affected by psoriasis patches. Mild psoriasis, which involves 3% of your body, moderate psoriasis, which involves 3% to 10% of your body, and severe psoriasis, which involves over 10% of your body.
Treatment of Mild Psoriasis
For mild cases of psoriasis, your dermatologist may recommend treatment to control itching, which may include:
- Prescription-strength shampoos, bath treatments, and moisturizing creams
- Prescription-strength topical medications with steroids
- Laser or light treatment to limit or get rid of psoriasis patches
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
For moderate to severe psoriasis, the team at Baltimore Center for Skin Cancer and Skincare may recommend some of the same treatment options for mild psoriasis, plus medications to stop your skin cells from growing as quickly, remove scales, and smooth your skin. Your dermatologist may recommend:
- Medications to reduce inflammation and reduce skin cell production
- Biologic medications to suppress the immune system
What You Can Do to Help Manage Psoriasis
You can do a lot to help yourself when you have psoriasis. For instance, it’s common to have triggers that make your condition worse, like stress. Avoiding triggers like these can help you manage your psoriasis more successfully.