Treatment for Red, Itchy Flare-Ups in the Minneapolis Area
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the globe. It causes patches of skin to become thick, red, inflamed, extremely dry, and flaky. This skin condition usually develops in adulthood, affecting men and women of all ages and ethnicities—but it can also be a problem for children. Most cases of this condition are mild, and it is not contagious. However, it is a chronic (ongoing) disease, as there is no known cure for psoriasis. Many Minneapolis-area patients who suffer from it find it to be, at most, a nuisance. They often also express dissatisfaction with the appearance of their skin.
Some types of the disease can go beyond a visual annoyance or mild irritation, becoming severe and even debilitating.
If you suspect you have psoriasis, seek medical help. Managing the condition’s symptoms is the best form of treatment, and early care can significantly mitigate future symptoms, even though there is no known cure.
Psoriasis Causes
Doctors are not certain as to why some people develop this condition. In skin not affected by psoriasis, new skin cells develop and progress slowly to the surface as they are replaced by even newer cells underneath. After the cells arrive at the surface, the old skin flakes off. This process takes about four weeks.
Skin affected with psoriasis, however, has a turnover that lasts days, not weeks. This rapid growth causes cells to build up and form thick patches of skin. It is believed that some people inherit a genetic condition that causes their skin to grow in this unique way.
While there is no known underlying cause of this disease, there are several common triggers. People who suffer from this condition will notice that certain factors worsen their condition, such as extreme climates, stress, specific medications, and smoking.
Types of Psoriasis
There are five main types, as well as psoriatic arthritis in which a case of psoriasis develops arthritis symptoms such as swollen joints. These different types are distinguished by their dermatological symptoms, the affected locations, environmental factors, and risk factors. Likewise, different treatments may be recommended based on the type of condition being treated.
While the condition can often be diagnosed just by thorough examination of the skin symptoms and patient history, a biopsy and/or blood tests may be ordered to diagnose the type of condition and rule out other possible causes. Learn more about each type:
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Inverse Psoriasis
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition can range from mild and moderate to severe. Mild symptoms will usually include a small area of rash that is itchy. Moderate to severe cases tend to involve inflamed and raised red areas, accompanied by flaky, dry, and uncomfortable skin. Most rashes are very itchy and tender to the touch. They can occur anywhere on the skin, but are common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and back.
Some affected patches can cover large areas. Occasionally, the condition can cause swollen joints. Known as psoriatic arthritis, this phenomenon can affect any joint in the body. In some cases, it can lead to joint damage, which can be debilitating.
Treatment and Medications
Symptoms may disappear without skin treatments, but they almost always return. Managing psoriasis should start at home and involve proper skin care. Lotions and creams can help keep the skin moist, but it is also important to avoid triggers that are known to cause flare-ups. To keep rashes at bay, try not to get skin injuries such as cuts and bug bites, don’t let your skin get sunburned, and avoid scratching your rashes.
A dermatologist can make personalized treatment recommendations that may include prescription medications and UVA light therapy. You can learn more by checking out this resource for specific psoriasis treatment options.
When to See a Dermatologist for Psoriasis
While there is no treatment available that can cure the condition, medical professionals provide necessary symptom management. From suggesting medications to utilizing UVA light therapy, dermatologists and skincare professionals have the tools to help you mitigate symptoms. It is important to avoid factors that may trigger a flare-up. A dermatologist can help identify those triggers and prescribe a skin treatment plan to combat the condition.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.