Psoriasis is a skin condition that can last for your entire life. This condition can cause a lot of discomfort for patients. Not only can it be hard to treat, but it can leave patients feeling self-conscious and embarrassed by their skin. Psoriasis is often characterized by patches of red, dry, scaly skin that is whitish and very itchy. Psoriasis most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. At Essential Dermatology, Dr. Krathen will work with you to diagnose your psoriasis and find the right treatment to help manage the symptoms.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not contagious. It is a genetic and congenital condition, meaning that it can develop at a young age and continues throughout your life. If you have family members with psoriasis, then you have a higher chance of getting this skin condition. The characteristics are typically caused by an excess production of skin cells that pile up. The plaques are not constant but can have flareups caused by different triggers varying from patient to patient.
Symptoms of Psoriasis?
- Patches of thick raised skin called plaques
- Different sized plaques
- Scale
- Salmon colored areas
- Sore or painful skin
- Dry, red, tender skin
Treatments for Psoriasis
Although psoriasis cannot be cured, there are many things that Dr. Krathen can do to help mitigate the symptoms and manage flareups. Dr. Krathen will examine your skin, talk to you about your psoriasis symptoms, and flareups to create a personalized treatment plan for you. Different methods of treatment are topical medications, oral or injection medications, or light therapy treatments. It is important to monitor your flareups to see if any lifestyle changes should be made.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have psoriasis and would like to get started on a treatment to manage your symptoms then come into Essential Dermatology in Natick, MA. Dr. Krathen will help create your unique treatment plan that will mitigate your psoriasis. To get started, call our office at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Credentials You Can Trust
