If you have noticed raised, red, scaly patches on your skin it may be psoriasis. Scientists believe that at least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. However, only 2 percent to 3 percent of the population develops the disease. For a person to develop psoriasis, he or she must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to various triggers, according to studies. At Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to assisting patients in the Centreville area with their skin care concerns.
Triggers of psoriasis vary from one person to the next. What may cause a flare up in one person may not affect another. Triggers of psoriasis include:
- Stress – This can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis.
- Injury to the skin – Vaccinations, scratches, and sunburns can be triggers.
- Medications – Certain medications can trigger psoriasis, including Lithium, which is used to treat psychiatric disorders. About 25 to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis who take Inderal, a high blood pressure medication, have experienced worsened effects of psoriasis.
- Infection – If it can affect the immune system, it can affect psoriasis. Strep throat is associated with psoriasis. An earache, bronchitis, respiratory infection, or tonsillitis can lead to a flare-up of psoriasis.
Seeking treatment for psoriasis
One of our dermatologists will examine your skin to determine if you have psoriasis. The doctor will ask you about your family history because one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease. The dermatologist will work with you to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Learning about treatment options
We can provide oral medication or topical cream to improve or eliminate symptoms of psoriasis. For moderate to severe psoriasis, we may prescribe medication that is administered by an IV or injection. We can use light therapy or phototherapy, which exposes the skin to ultraviolet light during treatment sessions.
If you are interested in learning more about the services and treatments we offer, contact Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia Centreville. We assist patients of all ages in our state-of-the-art facility. We provide medical and cosmetic dermatology solutions to men and women at both our Centreville and Sterling locations. Our Centreville location can be reached at (703) 222-2773 and is conveniently located in Suite #301 at 13880 Braddock Road. We accept new patients who are ready for quality, comprehensive dermatological care.
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