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Psoriasis services offered in Fayetteville, Griffin and Zebulon, GA
If you have red, thickened, or scaly skin patches, it could be psoriasis. At Fayette Area Dermatology in Fayetteville, Griffin, and Zebulon, Georgia, James Sandwich, MD, MPH, Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, and the skilled team treat psoriasis to clear up your skin. Call the office to schedule an appointment or use the online booking feature today.
Psoriasis Q&A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, and red skin patches on your scalp, elbows, knees, trunk, or other areas. While there’s no cure for the disease, treatment at Fayette Area Dermatology helps manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Scaly skin
- Red patches
- Thickened skin
- Swollen or stiff joints
- Cracked, bleeding, or burning skin
- Sore skin
- Thickened or pitted nails
Psoriasis might be mild or severe, causing dandruff-like scaling or imperfect skin in multiple areas of your body.
Psoriasis increases your risk of psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart conditions, autoimmune diseases, and depression.
What are the risk factors for psoriasis?
Risk factors for developing psoriasis include:
- Ongoing or severe stress
- Family history of psoriasis
- Infections
- Smoking
- Skin injuries
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Cold, dry weather
- Some medications
- Medication changes
You can’t necessarily prevent psoriasis if you’re prone to developing it, but early detection and managing unpleasant symptoms can clear your skin and improve your quality of life.
How does my provider diagnose psoriasis?
To diagnose psoriasis, the Fayette Area Dermatology team asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. They examine your nails, scalp, and skin and might examine a sample of skin under a microscope.
How is psoriasis treated?
Prevention or early detection is the best way to properly manage psoriasis. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Topical treatments
Topical treatments consist of medications or other ointments, lotions, gels, creams, foams, shampoos, or sprays to reduce unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis and clear your skin.
Lifestyle habits
Adopting healthy habits at home can improve the health of your skin. Your dermatologist could recommend eating nutritious foods, taking dietary supplements, staying active, and not smoking or drinking alcohol in excess. Keep your skin clean and moisturized.
Medications
You may take oral medicines or receive injections to reduce unwelcome psoriasis symptoms. Your dermatologist tailors a medication regimen just for you.
Light therapy
Exposing your skin to controlled amounts of artificial or natural light can also reduce symptoms of moderate to severe psoriasis.
To improve the appearance of skin affected by psoriasis, call the Fayette Area Dermatology office or schedule an appointment online today.