Managing Psoriasis Flare Ups

Managing Psoriasis flare-ups

Psoriasis is a troublesome, uncomfortable condition. When you have a psoriasis flare-up, you may feel powerless to control your symptoms. The truth is, you can do a lot to manage psoriasis flare-ups, and our dermatologist can help. Dr. John Randall, our board-certified dermatologist, and the provider team at Randall Dermatology & Medspa offers comprehensive dermatology services, including treatment and management of psoriasis. He has several convenient office locations in West Lafayette, Kokomo, Frankfort, Rensselaer, Terre Haute, Westfield, Monticello, Winamac, Williamsport, and Zionsville, IN.

What You Need To Know About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition resulting in your body producing too many skin cells too quickly. The excess skin cell production results in red, scaly, itchy, patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, and other areas. To help prevent a psoriasis flare-up, you should:

• Try to avoid injuries to your skin, including insect bites
• Protect your skin from the sun by applying a high-SPF sunscreen
• Apply moisturizer twice daily to avoid drying and cracking skin

There are also several substances that can trigger a psoriasis flare up including stress, extreme temperatures, and other factors. For a helpful quiz and more information on psoriasis triggers, please visit the American Academy of Dermatology website by clicking here.

When you have a psoriasis flare-up, remember to:

• Avoid scratching your psoriasis patches
• Apply a cold compress to psoriasis patches
• Apply anti-itch medication to your psoriasis
• Take oatmeal baths and other soothing bath treatments

For more severe and more frequent psoriasis, you should seek out help from our dermatologist, who may recommend:

• Prescription-strength topical steroid creams to control itching and slow skin cell growth
• Laser therapy to help get rid of psoriasis patches
• Prescription-strength oral medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate, to reduce inflammation and lower skin cell production
• Biologic drugs, which work to suppress an overactive immune system

Want To Know More?

To discover more about managing psoriasis flare-ups, call Dr. John Randall and his provider team at Randall Dermatology & Medspa in West Lafayette and Kokomo, IN. Call (765) 463-6722 to reach the office in West Lafayette and (765) 452-8602 for Kokomo. Call today.