subject: Psoriasis- Understanding Your Skin Condition [print this page] Do you have a painful, itchy rash that appears on certain parts of your body-or even most of it? If so, you might suffer from psoriasis, which is a chronic skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the limbs, trunk, scalp, and other parts of the body. Psoriasis' rash goes through cycles of improving and worsening, with the period of worsening called a "flare." At times your psoriasis might be disfiguring, uncomfortable, and even painful. However, with the help of your dermatologist in Baton Rouge, you can learn how to manage your psoriasis from here on out.
The Types of Psoriasis
To date, there are five different types of psoriasis. The type of skin lesions that appear on a person's body defines each type. The five types of psoriasis include:
*Plaque psoriasis, which appears as thickened, red scaly lesions called plaques, and is the most common type of psoriasis.
*Guttate psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped spots on the trunk, limbs, and scalp.
*Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth, red patches in the folds of skin near the genitals, breasts, or armpits.
*Erythrodermic psoriasis is a scaly, red, peeling rash that afflicts the entire body, which makes it a very uncommon form.
*Pustular psoriasis appears as pus-filled blisters that can be widespread or localized to the hands or feet and is also very uncommon.
Most people only suffer from one type of psoriasis at a time, but it is possible to have two types simultaneously. Additionally, if you have one type of psoriasis, you may later develop a different type.
Caring for Your Psoriasis
To help reduce the number and severity of psoriasis flares, it is important to follow a few skin care tips. First, it is important to take your psoriasis medications as prescribed. You and your dermatologist have developed a treatment plan that may involve the use of one or more psoriasis medications, which is one of the most important steps in maintaining control of your psoriasis. Simply put, the medications don't work if you do not take them. Talk to your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.
Next, learn your psoriasis triggers and avoid them. There are a variety of factors that are known to trigger psoriasis. Some common triggers might include sunburn, infections, certain medications, skin trauma, emotional stress, or particularly hot or cold weather. Remember that psoriasis flare ups may not occur for 10 to 14 days after a particular trigger, so it may not be possible to avoid all triggers in all circumstances, but knowing what triggers your psoriasis allows you to make informed decisions.
You should also keep a record of when a psoriasis flare occurs, what might have triggered it, its severity and duration. This information helps to provide useful information when considering psoriasis treatment options. Regular use of moisturizers can also help to prevent dryness and cracking, in addition to preventing the pain and itch of dry skin. Moisturizers are most effective when applied immediately after bathing. Some even find it helpful to apply a lotion during the day and a thicker cream or ointment at night. Most importantly, avoid scratching at all costs! Psoriasis does itch and, unfortunately, the scratching can disrupt the skin and allow bacteria to cause an infection.
Talk to your Baton Rouge Dermatologist today for more information on how you can properly care for your psoriasis.
