Managing Psoriasis: Treatment as Prevention

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 8 million people living in the United States suffer from psoriasis. Are you one of them?

Our team at Cumberland Skin and Dermatology are here to assist you in treating your skin condition so that you can regain your quality of life!

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when the skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal skin cells. Because of the fast growth of skin cells, bumpy red patches that are covered with white scales can occur on a person’s skin, including but not limited to:

• Scalp
• Elbow
• Knees
• Lower back

Although psoriasis appears to look contagious, a person cannot “catch” the skin disorder by touching someone who has it.

Can It Be Prevented?

While the cause of psoriasis isn’t completely known, there are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of psoriasis, such as:

• Bacterial infection
• Certain medication
• Family history
• Obesity
• Skin injury
• Smoking
• Stress
• Viral infection

While some of the aforementioned risk factors cannot be changed (i.e., family history), there are a number of ways you can reduce your risk of psoriasis and prevent the condition from arising.

Try to make sure you are following a healthy diet and exercising on a daily basis to help maintain a healthy weight. Exercise will also help you manage stress better, which can lead to flare-ups. In addition, if you are a smoker, you might want to consider taking action to quit smoking sooner than later. Not only will smoking cessation assist in reducing your risk of developing the skin condition, it will also help to improve your overall health.

Are Psoriasis and Eczema the Same – or Different?

Because psoriasis and eczema can appear in the same manner, it is important to seek medical attention from a knowledgeable and trained dermatologist who can better diagnose and treat your skin condition.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that while psoriasis usually appears as thick, red, scaly patches on your elbows, knees, and face, eczema shows up in the folds of your knees and elbows. The amount of itching involved can also play a role in the diagnosis of either psoriasis and/or eczema.

Treatment Is Available

While there is not currently a cure for psoriasis, there are a number of ways the skin condition can be better managed so that you can continue living a full life.

In addition to making certain lifestyle modifications, other psoriasis treatment options include:

• Exposing your skin to small amounts of natural sunlight
• Medications like anthralin and salicylic acid
• Moisturizers to reduce itching and drying of the skin
• Nonprescription cortisone cream
• Vitamin D analogues
• And more!

Cumberland Skin can walk you through all of your options and determine what solution is best for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Learn about ways Cumberland Skin in Tennessee can assist with your psoriasis.

Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology provides effective, compassionate general dermatology, skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatology solutions for our patients throughout the Southeast. With offices in Hermitage, Lebanon, Brentwood and Hendersonville, Tennessee, we’re your destination for high-caliber skincare. Visit our website at cumberlandskin23.lw.bellmedia.io or give us a call today at 615-257-7128.