Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that results in skin plaques, which are sore, itchy patches of dry, red, and thickened skin. Although you can get these plaques anywhere on your body, they typically develop on the face, elbows, scalp, knees, feet, back, and palms. Like other kinds of auto-inflammatory conditions, psoriasis occurs when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells instead of infectious cells. If you find yourself struggling with this problem, reach out to Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR. Dr. Cheryl Hull is available to help.

Psoriasis Can’t Be Cured, But It Can Be Managed

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis isn’t curable, and there’s currently no one-size-fits-all solution for it. The good news, however, is that there are ways to keep your symptoms under control. With help from your dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull, here at Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, you can find the right combination of psoriasis treatments to manage your condition.

Your Psoriasis Treatment Options

Essentially, the main goal of any psoriasis treatment plan is to decrease inflammation that leads to the formation of plaques and prevent the faster-than-normal growth of skin cells. Depending on your particular symptoms and the severity of your condition, your treatment plan may include a combination of the following:

Medications

• OTC and Prescription Topical Drugs: These must be directly applied to your skin to reduce psoriasis symptoms. They contain various active ingredients and are available in different preparations such as ointments, creams, lotions, sprays, gels, and shampoos.
• Biologics: These drugs can help modify your immune system’s response to psoriasis triggers and are typically injected.
• Oral Retinoids: Dermatologists typically recommend these for severe cases of psoriasis that don’t respond to milder treatment options.
• Apremilast: This pill functions by quelling a specific enzyme responsible for triggering inflammation.
• Methotrexate: This aids in controlling inflammation.
• Cyclosporine: This is an immunosuppressant that should only be taken for a short time.

Light Therapy

Phototherapy or light therapy entails exposing the skin to artificial or natural UV light to help minimize psoriasis symptoms. Done consistently, the ultraviolet or UV light will help slow down skin cell growth or turnover. Because of this action, it also helps decrease inflammation signals directly related to psoriasis flares. Your dermatologist in Rogers, AR, may recommend this treatment along with suitable medicines.

Need Relief From Psoriasis, Reach Out to Us

Call (479) 876-8205 to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Cheryl Hull of Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.

Psoriasis is a hereditary skin condition that is associated with periodic flare-ups in which the skin develops either red patches or white flaky scales. While there is no cure for psoriasis, several treatments are available for managing the symptoms. Some patients even experience completely clear skin as a result of treatment. Here at Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, our experienced dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull, can discuss treatment options with you.

Psoriasis Types and Symptoms

Psoriasis is a genetic condition in which the immune system prompts the body to grow new skin cells too quickly before shedding old ones. This overproduction results in the skin cells piling up on the surface of the skin, leading to the development of patches and scales.

Psoriasis can affect both children and adults. For most patients with psoriasis, the condition tends to flare-up for the first time between 15 and 35 years old. Since the condition is chronic, symptoms will continue to recur throughout life following the first flare-up. There are five distinct types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. The five types of psoriasis include:

• Erythrodermic
• Guttate
• Inverse
• Plaque
• Pustular

Several symptoms can be experienced during a flare-up of psoriasis. Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Itchiness
• Red patches
• White, flaky scales
• Nails develop pits, crumble, or fall off
• Patches forming on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

Psoriasis Treatments

Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms associated with a flare-up can be significantly reduced through treatment. We offer several options for treating psoriasis at our center in Rogers, AR. The specific method that is best for you could depend on several factors, such as the severity and type of psoriasis. Examples of psoriasis treatments include:

• Oral medications
• Topical medications
• Phototherapy (also called light therapy)
• Biologics to suppress the immune system

Psoriasis can cause physical discomfort, as well as contribute to feeling self-conscious about your skin. The good news is there are many effective treatments that can help. Contact our office in Rogers to learn more about psoriasis treatment options. To speak with Dr. Hull or another member of our dermatology staff about managing your psoriasis, call Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center at (479) 876-8205.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around 8 million Americans according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. It doesn’t have a cure, but it can be managed and treated with the help of your dermatologist. If you believe that you might have psoriasis, there are a number of symptoms to look out for that you should discuss with your skin doctor. Thankfully, there are also therapies you can try when you visit us here at Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.

About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an ailment of the skin that is caused by the skin cells regenerating in an overly rapid fashion. Consequently, the cells grow above the normal surface of the skin and become red, scaly, and itchy. This is a skin problem that is classified as chronic, meaning that it comes and goes. There’s no clear reason why, but it could be related to stress, diet (such as a lack of Vitamin D), medications, drug/alcohol abuse, or infections. It may also be related to an immune system deficiency or disorder. Given the vast pool of possible causes, it’s important to consult your Rogers, AR, dermatologist about your lifestyle and habits to get an idea of what could be triggering your psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis Symptoms
You probably look at your skin regularly throughout the day, which is why it’s easy to notice the development of a psoriasis rash. These are some of the symptoms to look for:

- Redness of the skin.
- Thick scales and patches.
- Dryness, itchiness, and a burning or sore sensation.
- Joint stiffening.
- The nails may thicken and become discolored in the case of nail psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatments
Getting treatment at the onset of psoriasis symptoms is best. The options your skin doctor will discuss include:

- Skin biopsy to pinpoint the exact type of psoriasis.
- Vitamin D therapy and retinoids (Vitamin A).
- Additional medications (topical and oral), such as salicylic acid.
- Change in diet and lifestyle habits.
- Moisturizers and ointments.
- Phototherapy (exposing the skin to artificial or natural light).
- Your doctor may also recommend you for a psoriasis skin study.

Get Help with Psoriasis
The sooner you seek help from your dermatologist with symptoms of psoriasis, the better you can manage this common skin condition in the present and future. Call (479) 876-8205 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cheryl Hull at Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.