Do You Need a Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment?

Psoriasis makes you miserable, causing red, itchy, and flaking skin that can extend from your elbows and scalp to your entire body. More than 8 million Americans are living with this disease, and it affects an estimated 2 to 3 percent of the total worldwide population. 

While your primary care provider is an important part of your health care team, there are several reasons you should see a dermatologist for psoriasis treatment. We’ll review a few below.

Do You Need a Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment? 3 Ways our Dermatologists in Horry County Can Help You

Dermatologists specialize in treating all diseases with the skin, from acne to skin cancer. For this reason, they are uniquely qualified to provide the highest level of comprehensive care for those with psoriasis.

We’ve outlined several ways seeing a dermatologist for psoriasis treatment can help you.

1. A Dermatologist Can Tailor Treatment to Your Type of Psoriasis

There are several different types of psoriasis, and our dermatologists in Myrtle Beach have experience treating all of them. These types include:

• Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common type, and it causes scaly, itchy, dry skin.

• Nail Psoriasis

This causes pitting, and discoloration and can cause nails to become loose and separate from the nail bed. In certain cases, the disease may be so bad that the nail crumbles.

• Guttate Psoriasis

More commonly seen in children and young adults, guttate psoriasis is triggered by a bacterial infection.

• Inverse Psoriasis

Affecting the skin of the breasts, buttocks, and groin, this type of psoriasis creates inflamed skin that is irritated when you sweat.

• Pustular Psoriasis

This is a rare type of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters,

• Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is another uncommon kind of psoriasis. It covers the entire body with an itchy, painful rash.

In certain cases, your dermatologist for psoriasis treatment will use one type of medication to treat psoriasis and another type to keep it from returning. 

2. A Dermatologist Can Monitor Your Condition Over the Long-Term

There is no cure for psoriasis. It’s a chronic condition. While research is ongoing into the main cause of psoriasis, it’s believed to center around a problem with the immune system where infection-fighting cells attack healthy skin. 

Because of this, psoriasis flare-ups may come and go. A dermatologist will work with you to minimize the frequency of these flare-ups and outline a treatment that will help you long-term.

3. A Dermatologist Can Use Different Methods to Treat Your Psoriasis

These specialists have a wealth of the latest treatments available, which is another reason you should see a dermatologist for psoriasis treatment. Some of these involve light therapy, medication injections, and ointments.

Ointments may include:

• Corticosteroids
• Vitamin D
• Retinoids
• Calcineurin inhibitors 
• Salicylic acid
• Coal tar
• Anthralin

Light therapy, particularly a type called narrowband UVB. This is used for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and those with a weakened immune system. It’s also used on children.

Medication injections can also provide relief. Steroids may be used for small patches of psoriasis while retinoids can reduce skin cell production. Biologics and cyclosporine have also shown success. 

However, some of these medicines are not safe for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant. Other medications require careful monitoring, particularly if they affect your immune system. Speak to our dermatologist in Myrtle Beach at CMC Dermatology for details and to get a plan tailored to your needs. 

CMC Dermatologists for Psoriasis Treatment Can Help You Get Your Life Back

Psoriasis transforms your life. Scaly, itchy, red patches can not only be annoying, but they can also be embarrassing. But help is in sight, and a dermatologist can provide a unique and comprehensive approach that will provide relief.

Our dermatologists are ready to provide a plan that will alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with psoriasis. CMC Dermatology is at 808 Farrar Drive, which is close to the main hospital in Conway.  The office is accepting new patients and those interested in an appointment can call 843-234-8700.