Understanding Psoriasis

Hello, my name is Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, and I’m a board-certified at Peak Skin Center. In this video, I want to talk a little bit about psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition in which the immune system becomes overactive and speeds up skin cell turnover. Instead of skin cells shedding normally, they build up on the surface, leading to thicker, scaly plaques. The most typical form is plaque psoriasis, which often shows up as well-demarcated red patches with silvery scale on areas like the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing pitting, thickening, or lifting of the nail, and some people develop joint symptoms called psoriatic arthritis, which can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Psoriasis tends to fluctuate over time. Common triggers include stress, illness such as strep throat, skin injury, certain medications, and sometimes lifestyle factors like smoking or heavy alcohol use. Many patients also notice that dry weather can worsen symptoms, while sunlight can help in some cases.

The good news is that psoriasis is very treatable, and treatment is matched to how extensive and active it is, as well as where it is located. For more limited psoriasis, prescription topical medications are often effective, including topical steroids and non-steroidal options that help reduce inflammation and scale. For scalp psoriasis, medicated shampoos and targeted solutions or foams can be helpful. When psoriasis is more widespread or affecting quality of life, additional options include phototherapy, which uses controlled ultraviolet light, and systemic medications. Systemic treatments range from oral medications to biologic therapies that target specific immune pathways and can be very effective for moderate to severe psoriasis. If joint symptoms are present, treatment selection often considers both skin and joint control.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, so the goal is long-term management, reducing flares, and keeping symptoms under good control with a plan that fits the individual.

I hope this information is helpful, and thanks for watching.

If you or a loved one is living with psoriasis, our team at Peak Skin Center offers the expertise you need. Our board-certified dermatologists, with locations in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina, are skilled in managing psoriasis with individualized treatment plans. From topical therapies to advanced medical dermatology solutions, we help our patients achieve clearer skin and improved quality of life. Schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations to begin a personalized psoriasis treatment plan today.