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.
Psoriasis treatment from a board-certified dermatologist
Tired of dealing with itchy, painful, or inflamed skin? Bluebonnet Dermatology offers personalized psoriasis treatments designed to help reduce flare-ups and restore comfort. Call (469) 663-8838 and schedule an appointment today! We proudly serve clients from McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco, and beyond.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis
Can stress really make my psoriasis worse?
Absolutely! While stress will not directly cause psoriasis, it certainly makes its symptoms flare up. Managing stress through calming activities like yoga, meditation, or even a dance-off in your living room can keep the condition in check, so talk to our doctors at Bluebonnet Dermatology to discuss stress-relieving solutions.
Does psoriasis only affect the skin?
Although psoriasis is most commonly seen on the skin, it is linked to your immune system. Some of our patients with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes swelling and stiffness in the joints.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t “catch” psoriasis from someone else. It’s a chronic condition that stems from your own immune system, so feel free to hug, shake hands, or high-five friends and family without worry!
Can changing my diet help with psoriasis?
While no magic food cure psoriasis, a nutrient-rich diet reduces inflammation and improves overall health. Add more leafy greens, berries, omega-3-rich fish, and whole grains to your plate to ramp up your vitamin and mineral consumption for a healthier you!
What can I do about the itch?
The itchiness caused by psoriasis can be super aggravating, but it’s not just you; it is extremely common! This happens because the inflammation in your skin irritates the nerves. Keeping your skin moisturized and using dermatologist-recommended treatments can bring sweet relief for those visiting our Bluebonnet Dermatology team.
Does the weather impact psoriasis?
Definitely! Cold, dry weather often triggers flare-ups, while warmer weather and a bit of sunshine (in moderation!) often soothe symptoms. Just remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.
Can kids get psoriasis, too?
Yes! While psoriasis often starts between the ages of 15 and 35, children can also develop it. If your child is showing symptoms, our team at Bluebonnet Dermatology can assist with diagnosing the condition and creating a kid-friendly care plan.
Why do my psoriasis spots appear in the same areas?
Psoriasis targets areas where the skin has been previously injured or irritated. This is called the “Koebner phenomenon.” Protecting your skin from cuts, sunburns, or scrapes can reduce this effect and keep it from becoming an issue elsewhere on the body.
Can I still wear makeup if I have psoriasis?
Absolutely! However, our dermatologists recommend looking for products labeled hypoallergenic or suitable for sensitive skin, and skipping anything with harsh chemicals or fragrances. Always remove your makeup gently before bed and moisturize your skin daily.
Will my psoriasis go away forever?
Psoriasis is considered a chronic condition, so while it likely will not disappear permanently, the right treatment plan can keep it under control. Work with our dermatologist to find the best approach for managing flare-ups and maintaining smoother skin.
Who can I talk to in the McKinney, Texas area to learn more about my condition?
Psoriasis can be challenging to manage, but with the help of a trained and experienced dermatologist, you can enjoy clearer skin and find the relief you need! Call our McKinney, Texas area office to schedule your first appointment at our office to get a definitive diagnosis and discuss effective treatment options.
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.
We proudly serve many areas in greater North Dallas, McKinney, Frisco, Melissa, Fairview, Lucas, Parker, The Colony, and other nearby areas. Our McKinney, TX, office is pleased to offer next-day appointments. So, we’ll see you soon – just give us a call at (469) 663-8838.
