Skin Cancer Treatment at Treasure Coast Dermatology

Treasure Coast Dermatology Toll Free 877.870.3376 Serving Martin County, St. Lucie County, Indian River COunty and Okeechobee County

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder in which there are red, thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Some cases of psoriasis are so mild that people don't know they have it. Severe psoriasis may cover large areas of the body. Dermatologists can help even the most severe cases.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another, but it is most likely to occur in members of the same family. In the United States, two out of every hundred people have psoriasis (four to five million people). There are approximately 150,000 new cases that occur each year.

What causes psoriasis?

The cause is unknown. However, recent discoveries point to an abnormality in the functioning of special white cells (T-Cells) which trigger inflammation and the immune response in the skin. Because of the inflammation, the skin grows too rapidly. Normally, the skin replaces itself in about 30 days, but in psoriasis, the process speeds up and replaces the skin in three to four days, and the signs of psoriasis develop.

People often notice new spots 10 to 14 days after the skin is cut, scratched, rubbed, or severely sunburned (Koebner Phenomenon). Psoriasis can also be activated by infections, such as strep throat, and by certain medicines (beta blockers, lithium, etc.) Flare-ups sometimes occur in the winter, as a result of dry skin and lack of sunlight.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis comes in many forms. Each differs in severity, duration, location, shape, and pattern of the scales. The most common form, called plaque psoriasis, begins with little red bumps. Gradually, these become larger, and scales form. While the top scales flake off easily and often, scales below the surface stick together. These small red areas can enlarge.

Scalp, elbows, knees, legs, arms, genitals, nails, palms, and soles are the areas most commonly affected by psoriasis. It will often appear in the same place on both sides of the body.

Scalp psoriasis may be mistaken for dandruff.

Nails with psoriasis frequently have tiny pits in them. Nails may loosen, thicken, or crumble, and are difficult to treat.

Inverse psoriasis occurs in the armpit, under the breasts, and in skin folds around the groin, buttocks, and genitals.

Guttate psoriasis usually affects children and young adults. It often starts after a sore throat with many small, red, scaly spots appearing on the skin. It frequently clears up by itself in weeks or a few months.

Up to 30% of people with psoriasis may have symptoms of arthritis and 5-10% may have some functional disability from arthritis of various joints. In some people, the arthritis is worse when the skin is very involved. Sometimes the arthritis improves when the condition of the patient's skin improves.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, nails, and scalp. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a skin biopsy may be helpful.

To learn more about psoriasis and treatment options, go to www.aad.org

Skin Cancer: the Disease

Here at Treasure Coast Dermatology, patients will benefit from the most up-to-date knowledge available as well as state-of-the-art technology. Drs Sanders and Ioannides perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery, the most advanced method for treating - and beating - skin cancer. In fact, studies show the success rate of Mohs surgery to be between 97 and 99.8 percent in patients with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Specialists

"Dr. Sanders found the melanoma on my side," explains George. "If he hadn't caught it, it probably would have gone on for quite some time, because it was in an area where only someone who knows what they're looking for would notice it."

"Fortunately, Dr. Sanders found it far enough in advance so that he could take it out."

Sunscreen Got You Covered?

The sun is necessary for life, but too much sun exposure may lead to poor health. More than one million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. However, skin cancer is largely preventable if people protect themselves from the sun, so whether it's a cool day in January or a sunny day in July, the board-certified physicians of Treasure Coast Dermatology are here to help you play it safe outdoors.

Remembering Your ABC's
Can Save Your Life

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but the same little song that got you through kindergarten could now save your life. Best of all, you don't even have to be able to carry a tune to use this tool.