While the effects of psoriasis are seen most clearly on the surface of the skin, this condition is more than skin-deep. According to Dr. Sam Awan of U.S. Dermatology Partners in McKinney, Texas, “When people talk about psoriasis, they typically focus on the thickened skin plaques, the flakiness, dryness, itching, pain, and irritation associated with flare-ups of this condition. It’s important to address these painful symptoms as they arise, but managing psoriasis requires a treatment plan to prevent and address the effects of this condition, as well as the comorbidities that are common for tho ..read more

It’s not likely to come as a surprise that alcohol consumption, especially in excess, can be harmful to health. Many people are aware of the short-term effects of drinking on a person’s ability to function, and they may even know about the impact of alcohol on the heart, liver, and other organs. However, very few people know or think about the way that drinking alcohol impacts skin health. According to Dr. Channing Hood of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Lakewood and Denver, Colorado, “I see many patients who have noticed dark circles, redness, inflammation, and accelerated skin aging. I always a ..read more

Tattoos are a great way to show your personality and creativity, but for those who have a chronic skin condition like psoriasis, getting a tattoo may come with added risks. According to Dr. John “Jay” Wofford of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Dallas and Plano, Texas, “When my psoriasis patients tell me they’re thinking about getting a tattoo, I always want to carefully talk through where they’re getting the tattoo, how to care for the area as it heals, and potential risks. The decision for a psoriasis patient to get a tattoo shouldn’t be undertaken lightly, but it is possible with the right guid ..read more

At the end of the year, the weather begins to cool off. Rain and snowfall increase. The air is dry, and for some, skin becomes dry, itchy, and irritated. For those with psoriasis, the cold weather may mean serious flare-ups, pain, and struggles to manage their condition. Many psoriasis patients flare during colder weather seasons. During the fall or winter is a good time to meet with your dermatologist and put a plan in place to manage your condition and prevent the most serious symptoms before they start. Learn more about what to expect from psoriasis symptoms during cold weather and explore ..read more

Since August is psoriasis awareness month, we are happy to present the second installment of our series on psoriasis. We have teamed up with dermatologists in our practices to give a brief overview of the various treatments available for psoriasis. What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an autoimmune (or autoinflammatory) disease that can affect the body in a number of ways. There are multiple types of psoriasis, but the most common form is known as chronic plaque psoriasis. Sometimes it is called psoriasis vulgaris or simply “psoriasis.” Psoriasis is a condition in which the body’s immune system is ..read more

There are many ways that our mental health impacts our physical health. When we’re nervous, our heart beats faster. When we’re upset, our stomach hurts. While these physical responses to our thoughts and emotions seem obvious, few people would think that connection goes both ways. According to Dr. Megan Lent of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Chillicothe, Missouri, “Current research in the field of dermatology says that as much as a quarter of people who have chronic skin conditions are also diagnosed with depression and anxiety. For others, increased cortisol levels related to chronic stress tri ..read more

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that impacts more than seven million people of all ages in the U.S. each year. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of people with psoriasis have mild to moderate cases, but about 20% experience moderate to severe cases, which can be debilitating. Learning psoriasis triggers is one of the main ways people can prevent or manage psoriasis flare-ups. According to Dr. Megan Lent of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Chillicothe, Missouri, “No two people will have the exact same psoriasis triggers, but when patients take the time to identify ..read more

While most people are familiar with psoriasis and the effect it has on the skin, many are surprised to hear that psoriasis can impact the nails as well. According to Dr. Sam Awan of U.S. Dermatology Partners in McKinney, Texas, “Nail psoriasis isn’t the most common form of psoriasis. However, those who have it should seek treatment as soon as possible since nail psoriasis can be difficult to treat compared to other forms of psoriasis. For this reason, it’s important to get started working with a dermatologist to begin the treatment process as soon as possible.” In this blog, Dr. Awan will revi ..read more

If you’ve noticed itching or flaking skin on the scalp, you may be wondering if you’re dealing with dandruff or the more serious skin condition, scalp psoriasis. In this blog, Dr. Seena Monjazeb of U.S. Dermatology Partners Houston Clear Lake will take a closer look at how to tell the difference between these two skin conditions. According to Dr. Monjazeb, “Scalp psoriasis and dandruff have some similar symptoms, but they are very different conditions that require unique treatments. If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with dandruff or scalp psoriasis, it’s time to talk to your dermatolog ..read more

While psoriasis is a relatively common skin condition, many people are unaware that it can involve the scalp. In fact, research from the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that about half of the people who are diagnosed with psoriasis will be impacted by scalp psoriasis. Some people only have scalp psoriasis, but this is less common. According to Dr. John “Jay” Wofford of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Dallas and Plano, Texas, “Scalp psoriasis can be hard to spot, and if cases are mild, people may not immediately recognize it as psoriasis, especially if they haven’t been diagnosed with ps ..read more