Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that impacts the lives of about 7.5 million Americans. It can occur anywhere on the body and become emotionally debilitating. Psoriasis is not an infection rather it is an autoimmune condition where the immune system sends faulty signals to the body to speed production of skin cells, leading to a rash and thickened skin. Accurate diagnosis by a board certified dermatologist is important because psoriasis can be associated with serious health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
There are five basic forms of the disease:
- Psoriasis vulgaris, also called plaque psoriasis, is most common, diagnosed in about 80 percent of cases. It is characterized by inflamed, raised lesions covered with silvery scales. It typically shows up on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. Stress is a frequent trigger.
- Guttate psoriasis usually starts in childhood. Small, red spots appear suddenly on arms, legs, and trunk. It may be triggered by strep throat, upper respiratory infection, tonsillitis, stress, injury, or some drugs.
- Inverse psoriasis occurs in skin folds – underarms, below breasts, at groin and buttocks. Its red lesions are brightly colored and shiny, easily irritated by sweating.
- Pustular psoriasis involves white blisters and reddened skin. It appears on feet and hands, sometimes all over the body. It is triggered by medications, sunburn, pregnancy, or infection.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most inflammatory form, affecting widespread areas of the body. Skin becomes fiery red with extensive involvement, and then sheds in large sheets. Because it is accompanied by pain, itching, body temperature fluctuations, and increased heart rate, sufferers should seek immediate medical treatment. Without care, this condition can result in loss of fluids and proteins, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure.
At this time, there is no known cure for psoriasis. However, with accurate diagnosis, it may be managed effectively. Topical treatment to normalize cell reproduction is usually the first option.
Getting psoriasis under control can be a life-changing experience. Call the
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology today for an expert diagnosis and customized treatment plan.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
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𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
