Our Dermatologists at Our Psoriasis Treatment Center Will Restore Your Skin
When most people are reaching for short-sleeved shirts or shorts, you may be reaching for pants and turtlenecks—even in the blistering heat of August. For many with psoriasis, these situations are all too familiar as they try to cover the painful, itchy, unsightly and embarrassing rashes the disease causes.
If you’re looking for a psoriasis treatment in Myrtle Beach, Conway, and the surrounding areas, our psoriasis treatment center offers the latest techniques to eliminate the painful itchiness that plagues those with this common skin disease.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. These patches can be red, itchy, and often painful.
While psoriasis commonly affects the skin, it can also impact the nails, joints, and even internal organs in severe cases. This is why it is so important to get the best psoriasis treatment to help you.
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary in severity and may come and go over time. In addition, symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same combination or intensity of symptoms.
Here are some common symptoms associated with psoriasis:
Red, Raised Patches
Psoriasis typically causes red, inflamed patches of skin. These patches are often covered with silvery-white scales, which may appear thick and raised. The patches can be small or large and are commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and buttocks. However, they can occur anywhere on the body.
Itching and Irritation
Psoriasis patches can be itchy and cause discomfort or irritation. The constant itching may lead to scratching, which can potentially worsen the condition or cause skin injuries.
Dryness and Cracking
The affected skin may be dry, with a tendency to crack or split. This can be particularly common on areas with thicker skin, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
Nail Changes
Psoriasis can affect the nails, leading to changes in their appearance. Common nail symptoms include pitting (small depressions or dents), thickening, discoloration, separation from the nail bed, and crumbling.
Scalp Symptoms
Psoriasis on the scalp can cause flaking, scaling, and redness. It may resemble dandruff, but the scales are usually thicker and more adherent. Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck, and behind the ears.
Discomfort and Emotional Impact
Psoriasis can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The visible symptoms and potential associated discomfort can lead to self-consciousness, embarrassment, and feelings of anxiety or depression.
Remember, psoriasis is a chronic condition, meaning that while symptoms can be managed and controlled, it may not have a complete cure. To keep the condition under control, it’s vital to get treatment at a psoriasis treatment center in the Myrtle Beach and Conway area.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that an abnormal immune response triggers the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis.
Certain triggers can make it worse, such as:
- Stress
- Infections
- Skin injuries
- Certain medications
What Are Common Solutions Found at Our Psoriasis Treatment Center?
We realize that there is no one treatment that is effective for everyone. The type of treatment for psoriasis depends on a number of factors, and that’s why we tailor each approach.
Some of the more common treatments include:
Topical Treatments
These are applied directly to the affected skin and come in various forms such as creams, ointments, gels, and lotions. These include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Retinoids
- Vitamin D analogs
- Salicylic acid
These are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation, slow down cell growth, and alleviate symptoms.
Systemic Medications
For moderate to severe psoriasis that doesn’t respond to topical treatments or phototherapy, oral or injected medications may be prescribed. These include retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and newer biologic drugs that target specific immune responses involved in psoriasis.
Lifestyle Management
Making certain lifestyle changes can complement medical treatments and improve overall well-being. This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Adopting stress-reduction techniques
- Moisturizing the skin regularly
- Avoiding triggers like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Practicing good skin hygiene
Laser Treatment for Psoriasis in Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Horry County
We’re pleased to offer the latest in laser treatment for psoriasis at CMC Dermatology. This treatment has helped hundreds of area residents dramatically improve their quality of life and resolve their psoriasis symptoms.
What Does Laser Treatment for Psoriasis Involve?
Laser treatment for psoriasis, also known as phototherapy or laser phototherapy, is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to target and reduce psoriasis symptoms. There are two primary types of laser treatments commonly used for psoriasis: excimer laser and pulsed dye laser.
Excimer Laser
The excimer laser emits a concentrated beam of ultraviolet B (UVB) light. This targeted light therapy is effective in treating localized psoriasis plaques, especially those on the elbows, knees, scalp, and palms. The procedure is typically performed at our psoriasis treatment center.
Initially, several sessions per week may be recommended. Over time, as improvement occurs, the frequency may be reduced to maintenance treatments.
Pulsed Dye Laser
The pulsed dye laser delivers a concentrated beam of light that specifically targets blood vessels. While primarily used for vascular conditions, it has shown some effectiveness in treating psoriasis.
Each session typically lasts a few minutes, depending on the size and location of the psoriasis plaques. The treatment schedule varies based on the individual’s response and the severity of psoriasis. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Psoriasis
The many benefits of laser treatment for psoriasis include:
- Targeted treatment
- Reduced side effects
- Convenience
It’s crucial to consult with one of our dermatologists to determine if laser treatment is an appropriate option for your specific case.
Leading Dermatologists in Horry County Provide State-of-the-Art Psoriasis Treatment
It’s time to put away the long sleeves and the turtleneck shirts.
It’s time to put on that bathing suit, shorts, or strapless sundress to showcase skin that is clear and healthy.
This can be your reality when you seek the best psoriasis treatment in Horry County with our leading, board-certified dermatologists. We’ll tailor a treatment to address your individual situation and work together with you to find solutions.
Psoriasis can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment approach, relief and improvement are possible. Consulting our leading dermatologists in Horry County is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most suitable psoriasis treatment plan.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward effective psoriasis treatment. You can contact us at 843-234-8700 or complete this form.