psoriasis treatment San Juan Capistrano, CA

Psoriasis Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin and can also affect the nails and joints. Its severity ranges from small, localized patches to widespread coverage. The expert medical team at HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of psoriasis, offering a whole-person approach and effective treatments for long-term relief.

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What Is Psoriasis?

Although it appears on the skin, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly treats healthy skin cells as a threat and sends out faulty signals that dramatically speed up the skin cell growth cycle. Instead of shedding normally over several weeks, skin cells build up on the surface in days, forming red, inflamed, scaly patches. Psoriasis can range from a few small localized patches to coverage of large areas of the body.

Psoriasis affects more than the skin. Fingernails and toenails are frequently involved, a condition called psoriatic nail dystrophy, which can sometimes be the only symptom. Between 10 and 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, and psoriasis has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Treating psoriasis effectively supports both your skin and your overall health.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but genetics and the immune system play major roles. If psoriasis runs in your family, your risk is higher. Psoriasis is not contagious. Local flares can be triggered by injury to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or sunburn, known as the Koebner phenomenon. Common triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Certain medications
  • Infections, such as strep throat
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stopping systemic corticosteroids

Types of Psoriasis

  • Plaque psoriasis: The most common type, featuring raised, red patches covered with dry, silvery scales, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
  • Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots that mainly affect children and young adults, frequently after strep throat.
  • Inverse psoriasis: Smooth, red patches in skin folds and areas that sweat, such as the armpits and groin.
  • Pustular psoriasis: An uncommon form with pus-filled bumps, typically on the hands and feet.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: The rarest and most severe type, causing widespread redness that can cover the whole body and requires prompt care.
  • Nail psoriasis: Pitting, discoloration, thickening, and abnormal growth of fingernails and toenails.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: Swollen, painful, stiff joints that can develop alongside skin symptoms.

Psoriasis Treatment at HK Dermatology

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with itching, burning, or sore patches. If psoriasis interferes with daily activities or becomes painful, it is time to see our team. Our dermatologist and nurse practitioners create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups. Depending on your type of psoriasis and its severity, treatment may include:

  • Topical treatments: Corticosteroid creams, vitamin D analogs, and other prescription ointments to reduce inflammation and scaling.
  • Salicylic acid: Helps soften and remove thick scale.
  • Moisturizers: Daily use reduces dryness, itching, and cracking.
  • Light therapy: Controlled ultraviolet light slows the overgrowth of skin cells.
  • Systemic medications: Oral medications for moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as treatment of infections that trigger flares.
  • Biologic therapies: Advanced injectable medications that target specific parts of the immune system for patients with moderate to severe disease or psoriatic arthritis.
  • Diet and lifestyle changes: Because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, limiting inflammatory foods such as red meat, dairy, and refined sugar, along with managing stress and emotional well-being, may help reduce symptoms.

Scalp Psoriasis and Related Concerns

Psoriasis on the scalp can cause flaking that resembles dandruff or seborrheic eczema, and heavy scale can contribute to temporary hair shedding. Psoriasis can also be confused with other rashes, fungal infections, and hives. An accurate diagnosis ensures you receive effective treatment. Learn more about our medical dermatology services, see all conditions we treat, review our insurance information, or visit our new patient page. Facial redness that is not psoriasis may be rosacea, and thick, raised scars at injury sites may be keloids; our team can help tell the difference. Learn why patients choose HK Dermatology.

Psoriasis FAQs

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and cannot be spread from person to person.

What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?

Common triggers include stress, smoking, infections such as strep throat, skin injuries, certain medications, excessive alcohol use, and vitamin D deficiency.

Can psoriasis be cured?

There is no cure, but psoriasis can be controlled very effectively. Many patients achieve clear or nearly clear skin with modern treatments, including biologics.

What are biologics for psoriasis?

Biologics are injectable medications that target specific parts of the immune system responsible for psoriasis. They are often used for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Does diet affect psoriasis?

Diet is not a cause of psoriasis, but limiting inflammatory foods such as red meat, dairy, and refined sugar and maintaining a healthy weight may help some patients reduce symptoms.

How do I know if I have psoriatic arthritis?

Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, especially in the morning, and swollen fingers or toes can be signs of psoriatic arthritis. Let your provider know about any joint symptoms.

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Psoriasis typically causes thick, well-defined plaques with silvery scale, while eczema usually causes itchy, dry, less sharply defined patches. A dermatology exam can tell them apart.

Take Control of Your Psoriasis

You do not have to live with uncomfortable, unpredictable flare-ups. Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online to discuss psoriasis treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA .

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