Psoriasis Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes recurring patches of red and scaly skin across various areas of the body, typically seen around the knees, scalp, and elbows. These patches are the result of cells that grow too quickly and gradually build up on the surface of the skin.
The Board Certified Dermatologists at Uderm provide specialized care for a variety of skin conditions including the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis and would like to discuss your treatment, please call (423) 206-2777 to schedule a consultation at our dermatology office in Ooltewah, TN.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Although there is no exact cause of psoriasis, this condition has been categorized as an autoimmune disease that is usually influenced by the individual’s genetics.
Many men and women with psoriasis will experience chronic flare-ups of the condition. In many cases, psoriasis is heavily influenced by an underlying medical condition. Persons with any of the following conditions are more likely to encounter psoriasis:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Heart disease
What Can Trigger Psoriasis?
In addition to associated medical conditions, psoriasis can also be brought on by any number of other factors. These triggers are often unique to the individual and their lifestyle, and can significantly increase the frequency of the person’s psoriasis flare-ups.
Common psoriasis triggers include:
- Stress
- Changes in the weather, especially during cold and dry seasons
- Skin trauma
- Smoking
- Side effects from various medications
- Alcohol consumption
- Infections (strep throat, HIV, etc.)
What Are The Symptoms of Psoriasis?
Each person can experience psoriasis in a different way. These differences can refer to the specific location of the condition, the size of the individual’s outbreaks, or the visual appearance of their psoriasis.
Symptoms that generally apply to a majority of our patients with psoriasis include:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Thick, scaly patches that look silvery or white in color
- Itchiness
- Soreness
- A burning sensation
- Stiffness within various joints
- Thick, pitted nails
- Cracked skin that may even bleed slightly
What Are The Types of Psoriasis?
A patient’s unique symptoms will usually suggest what type of psoriasis that they suffer from. Recommended treatment is also highly dependent on this categorization, which can often be determined by Dr. Jonathan Miller upon evaluation of a small skin sample.
At Uderm, our specialists treat all types of this skin condition, which include:
- Plaque psoriasis (most common)
- Scalp psoriasis
- Nail psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
Diagnosis and Treatment of Psoriasis in Chattanooga, TN
If you notice an abnormality in your skin that does not go away after several days, it is advised to seek the opinion of a medical professional. Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis will not simply go away on their own, and will require ongoing management to help avoid and limit the number of flare-ups that you encounter in your lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation for Psoriasis Treatment near Chattanooga, TN
If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, or would like to reevaluate your treatment options, contact the dermatologists at Uderm to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Please call (423) 206-2777 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation at our dermatology office near Chattanooga, TN!