Psoriasis Specialist
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Global Dermatology
Nickolas E. Poulos, D.O.
Dermatologist located in the NorthCare building at St. Francis Medical Center, Colorado Springs, CO
According to data from the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis affects more than 7.5 million American adults. Treatment is available through the care of Nickolas Poulos, DO, at Global Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado. If you’re interested in a diagnostic exam or an overview of treatment options, call to book a visit today or schedule online.
Psoriasis Q & A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with no known cure. It is most common among adults, but children can also develop symptoms.
Researchers believe that psoriasis occurs when your immune system begins creating new skin cells at an abnormally swift rate. The cells begin to pile atop one another, creating the plaques and scales associated with psoriasis.
Most people with psoriasis begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 15-25. The condition affects both men and women and can occur in people of all skin colors.
What are some symptoms of psoriasis?
The most common sign of psoriasis is areas of skin with thick, silvery scales. These are called plaques and can vary in size, shape, and location on the body.
Additional symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Itching or burning skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Small areas of scaly skin
- Nails that are thick, pitted, or heavily ridged
- Swollen or stiff joints
Some people only develop a few small areas of psoriasis patching, while others experience scaling that covers their entire elbows, scalp, face, legs, or lower back. Symptoms can flare up within a short period of time and then abate or linger for months at a time before slowly improving.
What are the treatments that can help improve psoriasis?
Treatment efforts at Global Dermatology focus on finding ways to slow your body’s production of skin cells. Dr. Poulos shapes your individualized treatment according to your symptoms and overall skin condition.
Topical medications can help by reducing inflammation or controlling skin irritation. There are formulations that work better on thicker areas of skin, your scalp, or more sensitive areas of skin.
Oral medications offer the chance to slow skin cell production by suppressing your body’s immune response. There are also drugs that can reduce inflammation, as well as injectable options that deliver medication precisely where needed.
It can take a period of trial and error to find the best combination of medications to control and reduce psoriasis symptoms. You have the support and guidance of Dr. Poulos as you navigate the treatment process.
To book a face-to-face diagnostic exam, call Global Dermatology to check appointment availability or schedule using the online booking tool.