Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptions for Psoriasis
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Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD regarding psoriasis?
Certainly, a doctor on Laso MD will be glad to discuss your condition with you. The doctor might recommend consulting a dermatologist or undergoing a biopsy of the affected areas before providing a definitive psoriasis diagnosis. Following a confirmed psoriasis diagnosis, a Laso MD doctor can suggest appropriate psoriasis treatments, including prescribing medications.
Can I obtain a prescription on Laso MD?
Absolutely, our physicians can prescribe psoriasis medications online during your consultation. Once you accept the prescription, you’ll have the choice to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra cost.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a prevalent, chronic skin condition triggered by the immune system’s attack on healthy skin cells, classifying it as an autoimmune disease. While the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, the immune system, and environmental influences contribute to its development.
Although it can manifest at any age, psoriasis commonly appears in early adulthood.
Psoriasis comes in various types, each impacting different parts of the body with distinctive appearances and symptoms. These types include:
- Plaque psoriasis – the most prevalent form
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP)
- Acropustulosis
- Von Zumbusch (also known as Generalized)
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
- Nail psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Inverse psoriasis, also referred to as flexural psoriasis
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Common symptoms seen across various forms of psoriasis include:
- Red or dry patches of skin, typically covered in silvery scales and sometimes with raised edges
- Itchy, painful skin
- Rashes on the genitals, scalp, or skin folds
- Joint stiffness or swelling
- Joint pain
- Nail abnormalities, such as pitting, crumbling, thickening, or discoloration
Additionally, specific types of psoriasis exhibit unique signs and symptoms:
Nail psoriasis symptoms:
- Crumbling nails
- Nail detachment from the finger
- Discoloration of the nail
Guttate psoriasis symptoms:
- Small red or scaly teardrop-shaped spots
- Commonly affects children and young adults
- Tends to impact the trunk, legs, or arms
Inverse psoriasis symptoms:
- Smooth patches of red, irritated skin that worsen with sweating or friction
- Sexual problems due to discomfort
- Primarily affects the buttocks, groin, armpits, or breasts
- Sometimes mistaken for fungal or bacterial infections due to their similar appearance
Pustular psoriasis symptoms:
- Pus-filled lesions
- Can affect large areas or be confined to the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingers, and toes
- Rarely associated with bone damage (specifically with Acropustulosis)
- Fever, chills, muscle weakness, headache, weight loss, nausea, dehydration, racing heartbeat (rarely and only with Von Zumbusch)
Erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms:
- This rarest form can cover the entire body in irritated, peeling skin, causing severe burning or itching, without unique symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms:
- Progressive joint damage that may result in permanent damage in severe cases
- It’s possible to have this form of psoriasis with no symptoms other than joint pain and stiffness.
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis, being an autoimmune disease, primarily stems from genetic factors. Nevertheless, certain risk factors can elevate the likelihood of developing psoriasis, including:
- Obesity
- Infections – viral or bacterial
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Specific medications
- Vitamin D deficiencies (noticed in psoriasis patients)
- Skin injuries or irritations
- Tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Cold, dry weather
- Abrupt withdrawal from systemic or oral corticosteroids
Moreover, some types of psoriasis have unique triggers:
Guttate psoriasis causes:
- Bacterial infections (such as strep throat)
Pustular psoriasis causes:
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Pregnancy (more common in pregnant women)
Erythrodermic psoriasis causes:
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Severe sunburn
While evidence is inconclusive, it is believed that severe or chronic stress might also serve as an associated risk factor for developing psoriasis.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
A physician at Laso MD may provide a psoriasis diagnosis by examining the affected areas and inquiring about your condition.
In certain instances, the physician might recommend a referral to a dermatologist for a more in-depth evaluation. Due to the similarity of some types of psoriasis with eczema or other skin conditions, a biopsy of the affected skin may be advised by the doctor or dermatologist to confirm the specific condition or type of psoriasis.
If symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are present, the doctor may propose blood tests or X-rays to eliminate other forms of arthritis.
How is psoriasis treated?
Psoriasis, being a chronic condition, can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
Effective treatment strategies should address both the physical and psychological aspects of this disease.
As there is currently no cure for psoriasis, treatment approaches focus on managing the disease and alleviating its symptoms. The choice of treatments depends on the severity and location of the condition.
For mild forms of psoriasis, topical medications are often prescribed. These may include:
- Coal-tar ointments and shampoos
- Calcitriol and calcipotriene
- Steroid-based creams
- Salicylic acid
- Prescription retinoids
In moderate to severe cases, dermatologists may recommend phototherapy as a treatment for psoriasis. Different forms of phototherapy include:
- Ultraviolet B light (UVB)
- Narrow-band UVB therapy
- PUVA therapy (psoralen combined with UVA light)
When other psoriasis medications prove ineffective, doctors may suggest biologics. These drugs target specific parts of the immune system to reduce psoriasis symptoms, although they may lower the body’s defenses against other illnesses.
Innovative treatments involving excimer lasers are emerging, delivering localized ultraviolet light to the skin with increased potency and less frequent sessions compared to traditional light therapy.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol consumption, have shown efficacy in reducing psoriasis flare-ups and alleviating negative symptoms.
When to consult a doctor for psoriasis?
If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, it’s advisable to consult with a Laso MD doctor.
They can assist in monitoring your condition, confirming whether it is psoriasis, and providing recommendations for further testing.
You should also seek medical advice regarding psoriasis if:
- Joint problems arise, such as pain, swelling, or reduced mobility.
- Concerns arise about the appearance of your skin.
- Chronic or severe pain and discomfort are experienced.
- Pain becomes widespread.
- Your condition does not improve with treatment.
What is Laso MD?
Laso MD offers a quick and convenient way to connect with Canadian doctors for healthcare. As a healthcare platform, we provide fast and accessible 24/7 consultations with Canadian doctors.
Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. Visit our “How it works” page to learn more.
Our doctors are capable of assessing symptoms and providing necessary treatments, including prescriptions when needed.
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