Bringing psoriasis into the light

As winter approaches, you may begin to notice a chill in the air and frost on the ground. Unfortunately, if you’re one of the 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis, you may also notice your symptoms making another unwelcome appearance.

Before you hibernate for the winter, you should know the great outdoors provides natural light that can destroy some of the cells that cause psoriasis outbreaks. But the best way to control your symptoms is to consult your dermatologist.

What is psoriasis?
Like some other chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, psoriasis is a long-lasting condition that affects the entire body. “That’s why it’s important to implement a long-term plan in collaboration with a dermatologist,” explains James Lynott, dermatologist with Great Lakes Dermatology.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. However, you may also experience different symptoms, depending on the location and severity of your outbreak. If you have dry, cracked skin that bleeds; burning or soreness on your skin; thickened, pitted or ridged nails; or swollen and stiff joints, Dr. Lynott encourages you to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to avoid further complications.

What causes it?
Psoriasis develops when T-cells (white blood cells) attack healthy skin cells, under the false impression that they are foreign substances. Like any autoimmune condition, there is no easy explanation for why the body mistakenly attacks itself. What we do know is these overactive T-cells trigger immune responses that lead to skin abnormalities. Dr. Lynott also notes that roughly half of all psoriasis cases are linked to genetics.

How is it managed?
In most cases, dermatologists are able to visually diagnose psoriasis. However, if the symptoms closely resemble that of another condition, a biopsy may be required. It is extremely important that you meet with a dermatologist to make sure you receive a correct diagnosis. As with most diseases, psoriasis only worsens when neglected.

“If left untreated, psoriasis can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, lymphoma and depression,” Dr. Lynott says.

Once the condition has been verified, there are several treatment options available.

Topical treatments. “Hydrocortisone or salicylic acid creams and ointments are very successful when the psoriasis is mild to moderate,” says Dr. Lynott. Although some treatments are available over the counter, it’s best to get a recommendation from a board-certified dermatologist.
Light therapy. The sun’s natural light can adequately destroy psoriasis cells, but during the fall and winter months, dermatologists can treat psoriasis using controlled artificial ultraviolet light. The concentrated UVB light used at Great Lakes Dermatology is safer than outdoor sunlight, and can be closely monitored by your dermatologist.
Oral medication. If you have resilient or severe psoriasis, you may want to consider taking medication. This is typically a more aggressive treatment, so side effects are a possibility. According to Dr. Lynott, your dermatologist can help you weigh the possible side effects against the likelihood of successful treatment.
Injections. Self- or clinically- administered injections are an additional treatment option that provides antibodies or fusion proteins against the immune system. A reasonably new option, the injections may weaken the immune system and require close monitoring by a dermatologist.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of psoriasis, there is hope for controlling it – before it controls you. Here in Southeast Wisconsin, Great Lakes Dermatology offers a variety of psoriasis treatments at each of our 10 locations. To schedule an appointment, call 800-227-5135 today.