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. One common and chronic issue we see at our office is psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder that requires a proper diagnosis for effective and long-term treatment to keep flare-ups under control.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that results in the development of itchy patches that may be dry, flaking, or peeling. Patients may notice cracked skin, fissures, and pustules on the skin with certain varieties of psoriasis. The condition is thought to be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction and the rapid overproduction of natural skin cells.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is often diagnosed with a physical evaluation and with knowledge regarding one’s medical history. Areas of redness or white, silvery patches develop anywhere on the body and can be itchy and uncomfortable for patients. Patients may have tried several at-home remedies to address these areas but have often found no results, so they turn to our dermatology practice. A proper evaluation is needed to diagnose the type of psoriasis present and then determine the best way to treat it.
What causes psoriasis?
There is no solid answer to this question at this point, though professionals who have completed studies believe that there is a connection to psoriasis and the body’s natural immune system. The plaque that can develop on the skin with psoriasis is believed to be an overproduction of natural skin cells that have quickly multiplied before the skin has time to naturally eliminate them. Patients who have this condition can expect it to be chronic and will need to find an experienced professional to help them manage this disorder over the years to keep it under control.
Who can develop psoriasis?
Psoriasis can affect anyone, including patients of different genders and ethnicities. It can start at any point in one’s life, either during childhood or adulthood, but once it develops, it is a long-term struggle. Therefore, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and find a treatment plan that works for you!
What treatment options are available for patients with psoriasis?
Treatment for psoriasis will often be determined based on the variety and the severity. Some patients may have luck with one treatment option while it may not be effective for another patient. Finding the treatment that works best for you may require trial and error. However, our team of professionals is here to walk you through the process and guide you through your journey in combating this condition.
Treatment may include one or more of the following services:
- Topical medications
- Oral medications
- Injectable medications
- Light or phototherapy
For some patients, a combination of treatments may work best, especially when patients need to speed up healing before developing a treatment regimen to use every day. Treating the conditions orally and externally may be a great start, and then, once the condition is under control, patients can consider a long-term solution that can be used regularly in controlling the condition. The doctors at Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia can develop a customized treatment plan to ensure proper integration into your current lifestyle. No one wants to be slowed down by a chronic condition such as psoriasis, and we welcome patients who are ready to achieve healthier, more beautiful skin!
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.
Click here to Request a Consultation Online at our Centreville Location!
