Mineral Wells Area News

Understanding psoriasis symptoms and how to manage flare-ups 

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this common yet often misunderstood skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 7.5 million people in the U.S. are affected by psoriasis with an estimated 600,000 adults living with it undiagnosed.

Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Colby Koenig of U.S. Dermatology Partners Mineral Wells says, “Psoriasis is not just a rash or cosmetic issue. It’s a medical condition with physical and emotional effects. Raising awareness is key to helping people recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care.”

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that causes the body to produce skin cells too quickly. Instead of shedding normally, these cells accumulate and cause dry, raised, red patches and silvery scales. While it can develop at any age, it most commonly appears between ages 20 to 30 or 50 to 60. There are several types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent. 

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin

• Silvery-white scales on the skin

• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

• Itching, burning, or soreness

• Thickened or pitted nails

• Joint pain (in cases of psoriatic arthritis)

Symptoms often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but they can occur anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can run in families and be triggered by factors like stress, illness, medications, injury to the skin, or changes in weather.

Colby Koenig explains, “As an autoimmune condition, it can affect anyone regardless of age or background. While there is no cure, advances in dermatologic treatments mean that symptoms can be effectively managed, often leading to significant improvement in quality of life.” 

When to See a Dermatology Provider

If you’re experiencing persistent scaly or itchy skin that isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to schedule a consultation with your dermatology provider. 

“Early detection can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of other complications, such as psoriatic arthritis or cardiovascular disease,” adds Colby Koenig. “No two cases of psoriasis are the same. We can customize a treatment plan that fits a patient’s unique needs, lifestyle, and medical history.” Common treatment options include:

• Topical ointments with ingredients like corticosteroids,vitamin D analogs, or retinoids reduce inflammation and scaling.

• Phototherapy uses controlled exposure to specific wavelengths of light to slow skin cell growth. 

• Systemic medications are oral or injectable medications that target the immune system’s overactive response.

• Biologic therapies are advanced injections designed to block specific parts of the immune system.

Certified Nurse Practitioner Colby Koenig and his team at U.S. Dermatology Partners provide compassionate, comprehensive care to accurately diagnose and treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. If you or a loved one may be affected by psoriasis, schedule a consultation today. 

The U.S. Dermatology Partners office in Mineral Wells is conveniently located at 505 SW 1st St., Mineral Wells, TX 76067.

To book an appointment, call 940.274.2560 or visit www.usdermatologypartners.com/mineral-wells.