Psoriasis Specialist

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects how cells grow. In a normal growth cycle, the skin sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones. With psoriasis, new cells grow faster than old cells die. This causes an overgrowth of cells. The cells form white, silvery patches on the surface of the skin. The new skin covers the old and dead skin cells become trapped.

Symptoms of psoriasis include anything from a minor rash to large scaly patches of skin.

If I have psoriasis, why do my joints hurt?

Joint pain is common among people with psoriasis. This is a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Not everyone with psoriasis has joint pain. It occurs in about 30 percent of cases, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

It is unclear why the arthritis affects some, but there may be a genetic connection. It is critical you tell the doctor if you are experiencing any joint pain or stiffness.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

There are two key factors in managing psoriasis.

• Proper skin care – especially when dealing with flare ups
• Avoiding triggers – actions, feelings or foods that can cause psoriasis to become worse

Medical care is trial and error, because what works for one patient may not work for the next one. For mild symptoms, aloe vera can help. For more extreme outbreaks, follow the instructions provided by the doctor carefully.

Triggers will be an important factor as you learn to live with the condition. They vary, but some common ones include:

• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Over exposure to sun
• Over the counter pain relievers classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS like Motrin or Advil
• Stress

You should write down what you ate or did prior to an outbreak to track your triggers, as well.