Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches that can affect your comfort. At Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center, our dermatology team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Wolfe, provides compassionate, expert care to help you manage symptoms and restore healthy, balanced skin.
Relieve Inflammation and Renew Skin Health
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder that accelerates your skin cell turnover, causing thickened, inflamed patches covered with silvery scales. It most commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back, but can affect any area of the body. This chronic condition often flares in cycles, triggered by stress, infections, or certain medications. While there is no cure, advanced treatments can reduce inflammation, slow cell growth, and relieve discomfort, helping you maintain clearer, healthier skin and improve your quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Psoriasis:
- Raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales
- Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or flake
- Thickened, ridged, or pitted nails
- Stiff or swollen joints (in psoriatic arthritis)
- Cyclical flare-ups triggered by stress, cold weather, or illness
Professional Psoriasis Diagnosis & Treatment
At Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center, your dermatologist will begin with a thorough evaluation of your skin, scalp, and nails to determine the type and severity of your psoriasis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out conditions that resemble psoriasis. Your provider will also discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any known triggers to gain a full understanding of your symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include topical medications such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids to reduce inflammation and slow cell turnover. For more moderate to severe cases, systemic therapies, including oral medications, phototherapy, or biologic injections, may also be recommended to target immune system activity. Your dermatologist will monitor your response and adjust therapies as needed to ensure effective control and long-term relief.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis develops when your immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the skin cell growth cycle. Instead of shedding normally, new skin cells accumulate on the surface, forming thick, scaly patches. This autoimmune reaction can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and may flare up periodically depending on your triggers.
Common factors that may contribute to psoriasis include:
- A family history of psoriasis or autoimmune disorders
- Infections such as strep throat or skin infections
- Stress, which can weaken immune regulation
- Cold, dry weather that irritates or dries the skin
- Certain medications, including beta-blockers and lithium
- Skin injuries like cuts, sunburn, or insect bites
- Excessive alcohol consumption or smoking
- Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty or menopause
Schedule Your Consultation With One of Our Dermatology Providers
Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center is proud to provide compassionate, expert dermatologic care guided by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Wolfe, one of Bay County’s most trusted skin specialists. Under his leadership, our team of dermatologists offers advanced treatments to deliver truly personalized care. Whether you’re struggling with mild or severe psoriasis, our experts will help you find long-term relief and restore your skin’s health. Schedule your consultation today to begin your psoriasis treatment plan.
