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Psoriasis Specialist

Orange Coast Dermatology

Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Specialist located in Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, & Mission Viejo, CA

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes patches of inflamed, scaly skin. If you have psoriasis, the team at Orange Coast Dermatology can help. They diagnose and treat psoriasis with innovative laser treatments, topical medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Call Orange Coast Dermatology at either the Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange, and Mission Viejo, California office, or schedule an appointment online today.

Psoriasis Q&A

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell regeneration. Your body produces skin cells more rapidly than you shed old, dead skin, and patches of flakey plaque develop. 

Psoriasis symptoms vary between patients. You might experience:

  • Raised, red, and inflamed patches of skin
  • Silvery scales on the inflamed skin
  • Dry skin that’s prone to cracking and bleeding
  • Sore or tender skin around the patches
  • Itching or burning sensations
  • Painful, swollen joints

Psoriasis symptoms sometimes occur in cycles. The patches can form anywhere on your skin, including your scalp, elbows, and knees. 

What causes psoriasis?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause for psoriasis. They know it's an autoimmune disease that causes your white blood cells to attack your skin cells, which triggers the rapid production of new cells. 

Your chances of developing psoriasis increase if you have a family member who also has the disease. Other factors can trigger flare-ups, including:

  • Stress
  • Cold weather
  • Bug bites
  • Smoking
  • Strep throat
  • Sunburn
  • Blood pressure medications

The team at Orange Coast Dermatology can help you identify your triggers for personalized disease management. 

How is psoriasis treated?

The team at Orange Coast Dermatology provides customized treatment plans for psoriasis. After your initial consultation and exam, the team works with you to implement treatments and lifestyle adjustments to get your condition under control. 

Medication

Your provider might prescribe topical medications, including corticosteroids, retinoids, and salicylic acid. The medicine helps you shed skin and reduce inflammation. Your provider might also recommend moisturizers to prevent dryness, cracking, and bleeding.

In severe cases, your provider might prescribe oral medication, but this is usually a last resort when other therapies haven’t been effective. 

Light therapy

The team at Orange Coast Dermatology offers state-of-the-art Excimer laser phototherapy. This FDA-approved treatment uses wavelengths of light to help your body shed skin cells rapidly and keep your condition in remission. 

Lifestyle modifications

Your provider also recommends changes to your at-home care. For example, a daily lukewarm bath with oatmeal and bath oils can soothe inflamed skin. They also recommend heavy moisturizers to keep your skin soft and supple. 

In many cases, the team recommends following an anti-inflammatory diet and cutting out gluten, dairy, alcohol, and refined sugars. 

If you’re concerned about psoriasis, call Orange Coast Dermatology or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment.