Psoriasis

The award-winning dermatology team at UT Southwestern Medical Center uses the latest therapies and techniques to treat psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and nails.

Our physicians and their teams have advanced training and expertise to help our patients manage psoriasis.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that causes skin inflammation, creating raised red areas that may develop into scaly patches.

With the largest multispecialty dermatology group in Texas, UT Southwestern is well-equipped to treat and manage chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Our dermatology team has broad expertise in internal medicine, allowing us to assess dermatological diseases from a holistic perspective.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, causing an acceleration of skin cell growth that is then rapidly shed. Psoriasis primarily affects adults, and it may recede or flare up unpredictably.

Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person. Although we don’t know why certain people develop psoriasis, we believe that various genetic and external components are involved.

Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing psoriasis include:

• A genetic history of the disease
• Infections, particularly streptococcus and HIV
• Obesity
• Habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and poor diet

What Are Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis symptoms vary by type and individual, but they often include the following.

• Red, inflamed skin patches that develop silver-colored scales, usually on the torso, palms, elbows, knees, scalp, and soles of the feet
• Fingernails and toenails that thicken, become pitted, or separate from the nail bed
• Disturbed sleep
• Dry skin that may itch or bleed

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis often can be diagnosed through an examination of the skin and nails, particularly if the skin patches have begun to develop scales. The symptoms of psoriasis are like those of other skin conditions, such as eczema.

In cases where the diagnosis can’t be confirmed through visual examination, a biopsy of the affected skin area may be recommended.

How Is Psoriasis Treated?

There is no known cure for psoriasis, but it often can be managed effectively through one or more treatments, including:

• Over-the-counter creams: In mild cases, applying lotions or creams that keep skin moisturized may help prevent flare-ups.
• Topical therapies: Ointments, creams, and other solutions containing ingredients such as corticosteroids, retinoids, tar products, and vitamin D can help control more advanced cases.
• Immunosuppressant medications: Drugs such as methotrexate, which can be injected or taken orally, suppress the immune system to slow overactive cell growth.
• Biologics: Injectable biologics, also known as biosimilars or biologic response modifiers, ease inflammation by targeting different parts of the immune system.
• Phototherapy: Often recommended for patients who have large patches of affected skin, phototherapy is a process in which a physician exposes the skin to ultraviolet light to control skin cell growth.
• Avoidance of triggers: Psoriasis triggers vary by person. Doing your best to avoid factors that have caused flare-ups in the past — such as high-stress situations or skin injuries — can help keep psoriasis at bay.