Putting a stop to the psychologically painful plaques of psoriasis with specialty dermatology care
At Bluebonnet Dermatology of McKinney, Texas, we provide an uncommon level of care and expertise for a common condition: psoriasis.
Do I have psoriasis ?
A chronic and inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis is most often defined by hard-to-miss red and scaly “plaques.” With that being said, all treatment options are rooted in and start with a complete evaluation by our board-certified medical dermatologist, Dr. Huayi Zhang. Many skin conditions “mimic” each other. So, it is essential to lean into trusted diagnostic expertise. Only then can we recommend treatments that effectively resolve the underlying source of any distressing symptoms.
How do you get psoriasis ?
As an immune system disorder, psoriasis is heavily influenced by genes. Genetics also plays a significant role in how patients respond to treatments and interventions to manage the disease. In fact, it’s estimated that around one-third of all psoriasis patients also have family members with the disease.
What can psoriasis be confused with ?
Patients may be misdiagnosed with eczema. Again, it is crucial to turn to a specialist with the training and experience to make an appropriate diagnosis. The longer you go without effective treatment, the greater the risk of adverse complications, from persistent plaques and painful skin fissures to bacterial infections.
Is all psoriasis the same ?
No, and different types of psoriasis may demand different interventions. Dr. Zhang will assess for things like if the symptoms are recurrent, if they are spread throughout the body, and if the plaques are thin, big, or thick to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. She will also assess for involvement of the nails, which can provide more clues into the nature of your psoriasis to further inform good treatment recommendations.
Are there triggers ?
Certain habits or substances can make the symptoms more severe or frequent. These include smoking, poorly managed stress, skin injuries (such as lacerations and sunburns), and the use of NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Lifestyle changes can certainly play a role in our comprehensive approach to successfully managing your psoriasis.
Can psoriasis be secondary to other conditions ?
Psoriasis is among those conditions associated with other systemic diseases. These conditions range from Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to inflammatory or psoriatic arthritis, IBD, celiac disease, and uveitis (eye inflammation). The list is quite long, but generally, individuals with these conditions are also at increased risk of having psoriasis as a comorbidity.
What treatments are available at Bluebonnet Dermatology ?
You are in luck when turning to a specialty medical dermatology practice. We have the onsite technologies and expertise to offer a full range of potential treatment options, all tailored to what we find following a thorough evaluation process. Depending on the nature of your psoriasis, Dr. Zhang may prescribe topical or systemic therapies. Psoriasis is not something to “sit on.” We encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our McKinney, TX, office is pleased to offer a next-day appointment. So, we’ll see you soon – just give us a call at (469) 663-5777.
