Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune disease that affects the skin, joints, and other parts of the body.

The dermatologists at Village Dermatology have a keen interest in psoriasis and are experts in this field. The condition is derived from the Greek words: psor- (itching) and -iasis (condition). The writer John Updike who himself had psoriasis said "The name of the disease, spiritually speaking is Humiliation."  This sentiment expressed by Updike accurately describes the psychosocial impact that psoriasis can have. Thankfully there are numerous approaches that can improve the skin and joints of patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis typically will affect the knees, elbows, and scalp, but it can affect any part of the body.  It can also be associated with other serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.  The physicians at Village Dermatology have extensive experience and training in the treatment of psoriasis in Houston, and they can help find a treatment plan that is right for you.

Psoriasis can appear in different forms depending on the patient and the part of the body that is affected.  On the elbows, knees, and scalp, patients can have thick, red, scaly plaques that have a silvery scale.  The plaques can itch or burn, and sometimes they may crack and become painful.  Other times patients can have guttate lesions, which are small, drop-like lesions which can in some cases be triggered by a strep infection.  Other types of psoriasis include inverse psoriasis (thin red areas in the skin folds), pustular psoriasis (white, non-infections pustules often on the hands and feet), and erythrodermic psoriasis (a very severe form where the entire body is fiery red).