Possible causes and treatments for skin patches in Frederick MD

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly. Proper diagnosis is needed to successfully treat this disease. Dr. Ronald Prussick of Washington Dermatology Center in Frederick, MD offers a variety of treatment options for your irritating skin patches caused by psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is characterized by patches of dry, red, or flaking skin. It affects approximately 7.5 million individuals in the United States. Although psoriasis mainly affects adults, it can strike at any age. Skin cell production speeds up in individuals with psoriasis due to overactive immune cells that cause inflammation. Possible symptoms of psoriasis include rashes, skin dryness, flaking or peeling skin, and cracked skin or fissures.

Treatments available

Washington Dermatology Center offers different treatment options, depending on each patient’s need.

• Topical treatments are generally the first line of treatment for psoriasis if it is mild. These corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents designed to slow excessive cell production and to reduce inflammation and redness. Topical medications are available over-the-counter or by prescription.
• Oral or injectable medications, called biologics, may be used if relief is not found with topical treatments or if it is moderate to severe in nature. These medications may target the cause of the psoriasis, rather than treating the symptoms, as they target the overactive immune system to try to bring it back into normal balance.
• Phototherapy, or light therapy, exposes the skin to ultraviolet light. Narrow band UVB (NBUVB), found in natural sunlight, is directed on the affected skin patch for a designated amount of time so the skin can absorb the rays, allowing the growth of skin cells to slow. and remove the overactive immune cells Phototherapy can be done through a light box or with a laser.

If you suffer from patches of scaly, itchy skin, contact Dr. Ronald Prussick at Washington Dermatology Center. Stop itching today. Call the Frederick office to schedule your psoriasis consultation. 855-314-1424