What is Psoriasis?
A chronic skin condition that features thick patches of skin, inflammation, itching and scaling is known as psoriasis and is caused by a patient’s overactive immune system. With this condition, skin cells are rapidly produced and instead of shedding, they pile up on the skin, resulting in skin patches, or plaques. San Antonio dermatologist, Dr. Garcia, can treat these red, white or silvery patches of scaly skin, which are usually found on the scalp, elbows and knees. Since there are various forms of psoriasis, Dr. Garcia will diagnose the form a patient has to provide appropriate treatment.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis hasn’t been pinpointed by doctors. The overall thinking is that the immune system overreacts which causes inflammation as well as flaking of the skin. It’s also believed that psoriasis can be inherited. Approximately 1/3 of people who have psoriasis have one or more family members with the condition. Scientists believe that certain genes interact which leads to psoriasis. However, a patient must inherit the right combination of genes as well as be exposed to a trigger. Symptoms can appear after triggers such as a stressful event, taking certain medications, strep throat, cold, dry weather or a scratch, cut or bad sunburn.
Types of Psoriasis
There are several different forms of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis or exfoliative psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common. While most cases of psoriasis are considered mild, some are difficult to treat and can require multiple treatments throughout a patient’s life. It is also important to note that psoriasis isn’t contagious and can’t be spread from person to person. Once it is diagnosed, it is a matter of managing the symptoms so that flare-ups can be minimized.
Sonterra Dermatology - San Antonio Reviews
I want to thank everyone at Sonterra Dermatology who has helped me get my Taltz injections. It has been a struggle with insurance denying the medication because they don't cover Taltz. Also, getting the run around from multiple pharmacies about who would fill the prescription was a pain. I have been without my medicine for months and started having psoriasis flare-ups. The dedicated staff at Sonterra Dermatology worked on an appeal for me with the insurance company. I am so grateful my medication finally got approved. I have tried multiple biologics, and Taltz was the only medication that would clear up my stubborn patches. Thank you, Sonterra Dermatology, for everything you did to help me. I got my medicine, and I hope to have clear skin again.
I’ve been coming here since 2019 when I was diagnosed with skin cancer. I have seen Dr. Anabelle Garcia; PA Daniella Arellano; PA Erika Kelso and most recently Dr Jorge Hinojosa. The PAs are no longer there but regardless they were great. Every single person since I check in until I check out have always treated me well and made me feel cared for. All my skin screenings for cancer and psoriasis have been through and through! I love this practice so much that I recommend them to friends and family. My husband visited with Erika Kelso and he was very satisfied with the consultation. As always ñ, they answered our questions and explore options with us every time until we I d something that fits our needs. I will continue to come and keep recommending them every time I can.
Dr. Mitzinger is the best! She really cares about her patients. After having tried multiple biologics, I finally found one that works for me. Dr. Mitzinger makes sure I have access to get my expensive biologics for a never-ending skin condition. Thanks to her, I have clear skin, and my psoriasis is manageable. I also want to thank Veroncia for helping me with the copay assistance program.
I recently retired and went on Medicare. If you haven't gone through the process, it can be a nightmare. With my commercial insurance available through my employer gone, I learned that my copay for my medication was going to be $4159 every two month's. When I heard this I thought I would have a heart attack. This where I have to mention Veronica Hernandez a Patient Care Coordinator that works on weaving through the maze of insurance and coverages for the kinds of medications I am on. Veronica was extremely calm and reassuring as we worked through the process of researching how I could get assistance with these astronomical out of pocket costs. After several weeks of major anxiety on my part, Veronica was able to help secure the help I desparately needed and I will be able to continue my medication. For anyone that knows anything about psoriasis, it is a psychologically devastating condition. The fact that I will be able to continue taking my medication without interruption to my treatment is a real blessing. And I have Veronica to thank for her efforts, knowledge, patience and caring. Thank you Veronica!!
I have been going to Sonterra Dermatology for years and I would not go anywhere else. I love this place. All Staff and doctors are awesome. Dr Metzinger has always taken care of me. I would highly recommend Sonterra Dermatology. I am still a patient at Sonterra Dermatology and now they help me with creams and serums for my face to keep it looking youthful and at its best and my medical ( psoriasis) has been under control at its best. I can wear shorts and swimwear without having to worry about it. I love Sonterra Dermatology and I highly recommend it to my family and friends. 👍🏽
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Symptoms of Psoriasis
The most common symptoms associated with psoriasis include raised, bright red patches of skin that are covered with loose and silvery scales. Plaques can also appear in the same area on both sides of the body, such as on both knees and/or both elbows. The scalp can experience anything from mild scaling to areas of thick, crusted plaques. Itching is common before flare-ups especially when psoriatic patches appear in body folds such as under the buttocks or breasts. Tiny areas of skin bleeding can occur when scales are picked or scraped off. This is known as Auspitz’s sign. In addition, nails can appear pitted or discolored or even crumble and fall off. Some common symptoms associated with the varying types of psoriasis include:
- Guttate psoriasis: Common symptoms include small, red spots that can appear all over the skin and often appear after an illness.
- Pustular psoriasis: Common symptoms include red, swollen skin with pus-filled bumps that can cover the palms and soles and can be painful.
- Inverse psoriasis: Common symptoms include smooth, red patches of skin that appear raw-looking. Patches develop only where skin comes into contact with other skin such as the armpits or genitals.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: Common symptoms include areas of skin that look burned and most, if not all, of the body turns bright red and the body can’t maintain a normal temperature. A person must seek medical care immediately since this condition can be life threatening.
Treatment for Psoriasis
While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are a variety of treatments available to treat the condition depending on the severity and type of psoriasis a patient has. Mild cases can be treated with prescription lotions, creams and ointments that help to moisturize the skin. When the scalp is affected, shampoos, sprays and oils can be used. Oral medications can also be prescribed, and cortisone shots can be administered to slow down the growth of cells and reduce inflammation. Advancements in laser therapy have made huge improvements for many patients. Using phototherapy to expose a patient’s skin to special, ultraviolet light helps reduce symptoms, as well as helps the skin to look normal.
Control Your Psoriasis Today!
Since psoriasis is not only painful, but can also be embarrassing, making it difficult for some patients to live their day-to-day lives, it is crucial for a patient to see a dermatologist to understand how to manage the condition. We invite you to call our dermatology office today and make an appointment for your thorough consultation.