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What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

Psoriasis refers to a group of autoimmune skin conditions where skin cells reproduce too quickly and cause lesions and skin problems. Severity varies from mild to severe, but even a mild case of psoriasis can become emotionally distressing if not treated.

Psoriasis Oneonta

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system malfunctions and causes specific immune cells called T cells to begin attacking your own skin. In response to this attack, the skin speeds up its turnover process, with new cells making it to the surface of the skin in days instead of weeks. 

This excessive skin cell production leads to pigmented, scaly, blistered, or otherwise problematic skin conditions. The majority of cases are made up of people with plaque psoriasis, but several other types exist, some that can occur together.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like? 

Plaque Psoriasis

This most common form of psoriasis forms patches of skin that look raised, red around the edges, and usually scaly or flaky. The scales are plaques of shedding skin cells, and the red pigmentation results from inflammation as the immune system attacks. 

Scalp Psoriasis

This type, which looks similar to plaque psoriasis, forms on and around the scalp and hairline, sometimes extending around the neck and ears. Thick plaques can cause hair loss in the affected area. 

Nail Psoriasis

Often occurring along with other types of psoriasis, this one leads to yellowing, crumbling nails that may separate from the nail bed. Nails may become crumbly and flaky. 

Guttate Psoriasis

Typically occurring in children and young adults as a response to an infection or irritant, this type causes numerous small, scaly, very red spots. These often respond very well to treatments that address pigmentation problems. 

Pustular Psoriasis

Instead of scaly plaques on the body, this type of psoriasis usually affects the hands and feet, causing pus-filled blisters and dry, thick skin that develops painful cracks. 

Consultations Available Now

The first step is to schedule an in-person consultation with one of our highly trained providers at New York Skin & Vein Center located in Oneonta, NY, serving the surrounding New York City areas with additional offices in Norwich, Binghamton, and Cobleskill.

Simply fill out the form on this page and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment. Your journey to a healthier, happier you can start today.

How is Psoriasis Treated?

One new and popular method of treating psoriasis uses biological agents, which help control the immune response that causes the condition. However, all drugs that affect the immune system have side effects, so some people prefer to explore other methods of treating their psoriasis. 

At the New York Skin and Vein: now part of Schweiger Dermatology Group, we offer our advanced Aurora Laser System. This system targets psoriasis plaques and helps get rid of both the pigmentation and the scaly, uncomfortable skin cell buildup. Many people achieve good symptom control with this treatment. 

Is There Any Downtime With Psoriasis Treatment?

You will have no downtime with the Aurora Laser, which we only use to target active lesions, so normal skin remains unharmed. Biological agents will have potential side effects that you should discuss with your prescribing doctor. Schedule a consultation with the New York Skin and Vein: now part of Schweiger Dermatology Group to find out which type of psoriasis you have and which treatments you should consider. 

Am I A Candidate For Psoriasis Treatment?

If you have psoriasis, treatments are available, and you are a good candidate for at least some of them. While the biological agents have opened a new door in treating psoriasis, not everyone can use them or wants to. Other skin-clearing options exist, and we can help you choose one. 

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Take the Next Step

To schedule your in-person sclerotherapy consultation, call New York Skin & Vein Centers at (607) 431-2525 or simply fill out the form on this page. We look forward to working with you!

More To Explore

Oneonta

Phone: 607-431-2525

Norwich

Phone: 607-336-2400

Binghamton

Phone: 607-201-1100

Cobleskill

Phone: 518-823 4122