Rockville, MD patients with psoriasis seek relief for their itchy skin
Itchy skin is annoying, frustrating, and can become painful. With locations in Frederick and Rockville, MD, Dr. Ronald Prussick of Washington Dermatology Center offers treatment options to provide relief from the itchy skin of psoriasis.
Reasons for itchy skin
Patients with psoriasis have a problem with their immune system. Their bodies overproduce skin cells at a rate that is too fast for the body to eliminate dead cells. As a result, the cells begin to build up, creating flaky, red, inflamed patches of skin.
Nearly 90 percent of psoriasis patients suffer from itchy skin. Itchiness is a symptom of psoriasis and is caused by the scaly, flaking, inflamed skin. Although generally the visibly affected skin is itchy, patients have noted itchiness in areas not covered in scales. The feeling has been described as burning, biting, or painful sensations. For some, it can be the most annoying part of the condition as it can disrupt sleep, personal, and professional habits.
The itchy feeling brings on the urge to scratch the affected areas. Unfortunately, scratching can make the problem worse by leading to increased inflammation, the creation of more scales, increased itchiness, and, even more temptation to scratch.
Treatment options
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available to make patients more comfortable. Topical treatments, oral or injectable medications, or phototherapy may be used to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Each of these treatments should help ease the itchiness.
- Corticosteroids and other topical treatments help reduce inflammation and redness.
- Medications, such as biologics, try to bring the immune system back into balance.
- Phototherapy slows the growth of skin cells so there isn’t a buildup of scales.
Get relief for your psoriasis symptoms. Contact Washington Dermatology Center today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Prussick at our Rockville location. 855-314-1424.
