By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Conservatives: The Utah Health Exchange is Not a Model
    July 23, 2011
    Medical Malpractice Reform Losing Physician Support
    November 7, 2011
    Hospitals Aim to Apply Direct Payments of Care Delivery to Increase Resources
    August 28, 2012
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: How to Identify and Treat Psoriasis
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > How to Identify and Treat Psoriasis
SpecialtiesWellness

How to Identify and Treat Psoriasis

Joniel
Last updated: October 26, 2018 11:37 am
Joniel
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Psoriasis is a common skin condition which occurs when the life cycle of skin cells is sped up.  Because the life cycle is so short, skin cells build up quickly on the surface of the skin causing red patches and scales that are itchy, and often painful.  As a chronic disease, psoriasis can come and go, and treatment usually centers around preventing skin cells from growing so quickly.  While there is no cure for the condition, there are a number of ways that it can be managed.

Contents
The Symptoms of PsoriasisDiagnosesTreatment Options for PsoriasisMoisturizing Creams and ShampoosSalicylic AcidTopical RetinoidsLight TherapyOral Medications

The Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person.  However, some of the most common include:

  • Red patches of skin covered with scales
  • Small, scaly spots (common in children)
  • Stiff and swollen joints
  • Ridged, pitted or thickened nails
  • Cracked, dry skin that may bleed on contact.

The red patches of skin can vary in severity.  In some adults, they may be similar to a few dandruff-like scales, however in others they can cover large areas of the skin.  Psoriasis doesn’t tend to be a condition that is permanent.  Instead, sufferers go through cycles where the condition can flare quite badly and then go into remission.

There are also a number of things that can trigger flare-ups.  These include:

More Read

Stop Overlooking the Importance of Vitamin D
From Plate to Wellness: How Everyday Foods Nourish Your Body Inside and Out
Selecting The Perfect Physiotherapist To Treat Chronic Complications
A Different Calling: Phlebotomist and Their Significance in the Medical Field
Healthcare Innovation: Moving from Stewardship to Leadership
  • Certain medications, such as lithium
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Injuries to the skin, such as bug bites, cuts and scrapes, and severe sunburn
  • Infections, such as strep throat

Diagnoses

If you believe you have psoriasis, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor.  Diagnosis is pretty straightforward and will be done in one of the following ways:

  • Physical Exam – usually this is all that is needed to make a diagnosis.
  • Skin Biopsy – this is performed if your doctor needs to rule out other disorders. It’s usually performed under anesthetic, but it not a common form of diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

While there is no way to fully cure psoriasis as of yet, there are a number of ways to manage the condition.  These are described below:

Moisturizing Creams and Shampoos

While psoriasis shampoo and creams won’t treat psoriasis, they can help to reduce the dryness, scaling and itchiness.  There are a few different types of psoriasis shampoo, with medicated and coal tar being the most common.  Apply as needed in place of your regular shampoo.  Moisturizing creams should be applied daily after bathing.

Salicylic Acid

Available on prescription and over-the-counter, salicylic acid reduces scaling and promotes the shedding of dead skin.  Topical corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed alongside salicylic acid to improve its effectiveness.

Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids contain Vitamin A which helps decrease the inflammation some sufferers experience.  They’re not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, though, and they can lead to skin irritation in some people.

Light Therapy

Many people with psoriasis find that light therapy helps them.  Even just getting out in the sunlight is enough for some sufferers.  In other cases, phototherapy can help.  This involves shining an artificial UVB light on the patches of psoriasis.  It can be administered two to three times a week and has been proven to help people with mild to moderate psoriasis.

Oral Medications

If you have severe psoriasis that doesn’t respond to light therapy or topical solutions, your doctor may prescribe oral medications.  There are several options here including oral retinoids, drugs that alter the immune system, and drugs which slow cell production.  As a last resort, hydroxyurea and thioguanine may be prescribed.

If you have been suffering with psoriasis, book an appointment with your doctor.  He or she will be able to diagnose your condition and help you to find relief from the symptoms.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Make Cleaning Your Kid's Teeth Easier With These Tips
Dental health

Make Cleaning Your Kid’s Teeth Easier With These Tips

October 13, 2022

Ask These 10 Questions Before Starting Any Medication

January 2, 2013
Medical InnovationsSpecialtiesTechnology

Deciphering the Controversy of Adipose Derived Stem Cells in the Context of Healthcare

August 24, 2020

America’s Aging Eyes

May 15, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?