Urgent Care for Psoriasis in San Antonio

What Is Psoriasis?

Overview and Definition

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. These patches are often found on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.

How Psoriasis Affects the Skin

A psoriasis flare-up leads to red or discolored, scaly, itchy patches that can vary in severity.

What Causes Psoriasis?

While there is no single known cause of psoriasis, it is believed to come from a malfunction in the immune system. This overactive response triggers inflammation and causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to red, scaly skin patches.

Genetic Factors

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a person has a higher risk of psoriasis if a parent, grandparent, or sibling has it.

People with psoriasis may also have specific gene mutations (changes), which suggest a possible genetic link.

Environmental Triggers

Several environmental factors can trigger or worsen symptoms of psoriasis, such as:

• Cold and dry weather
• Overexposure to UVB rays
• Skin injuries
• Strep throat or throat infections
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Excessive stress

Immune System’s Role

When a person has psoriasis, their immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation and rapid cell growth. This leads to thickened, scaly patches (plaques) on certain areas of the body.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Common Symptoms

• Red, raised, and scaly patches
• Dryness and cracking
• Itchiness
• Joint pain and swelling
• Thick or pitted nails that may separate from the nail bed
• Blisters in the affected area

How Psoriasis Looks on the Skin

Psoriasis starts as small red or discolored bumps that grow larger and form a scale over the skin. As the rash progresses, larger, bumpy red and silvery-scaled patches are more common.

Psoriasis Pain and Discomfort

Psoriasis can be painful, interfere with sleep, and cause difficulty concentrating.

Psoriasis flare-ups are often cyclical, flaring for a few weeks or months and then subsiding.

Types of Psoriasis

• Plaque Psoriasis accounts for 80-90% of people with psoriasis. It is known for causing raised, red patches covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis typically appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Guttate Psoriasis typically occurs after a throat infection. It is known for causing small, drop-shaped spots on the trunk, arms, or legs covered in fine scales.
• Inverse Psoriasis is relatively common and affects skin folds (e.g., armpits, groin, and under the breasts). The result is smooth, inflamed patches of skin without scales.
• Pustular Psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis, affecting about three percent of people with psoriasis. It is known for causing pus-filled blisters on the palms or soles of the feet.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that affects a large area of skin (over 90%). It causes widespread redness, skin shedding, and other potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Common Psoriasis Triggers

• Chronic stress
• High levels of stress
• Cold and dry weather
• Strep throat
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain foods (e.g., red meat, dairy, eggplant, peppers, white potatoes, and tomatoes)
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Skin trauma (e.g., injuries, tattoos, piercings)

Diagnosing Psoriasis

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider typically diagnoses psoriasis through a visual examination of the skin, scalp, and nails. In some cases, a small skin sample may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific type.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Psoriasis

If you have signs of infection, increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or red streaks leading from the affected area, seek immediate urgent care for psoriasis treatment.

Additional signs that require urgent medical care include:

• Joint pain
• Fever
• Symptoms of arthritis
• A severe outbreak that covers all or most of your body

Psoriasis Treatment Options

Topical Treatments

• Corticosteroids: to reduce inflammation and itching
• Vitamin D ointment: to slow skin cell growth
• Coal tar: to relieve scaling and reduce inflammation
• Salicylic acid: to help soften and shed thick, dry scales
• Moisturizing lotion or cream: to prevent water loss and soothe dry, irritated skin

Systemic Medications

• Oral immunosuppressants: to calm the immune response
• Retinoids: to slow skin cell production
• Prescription enzyme blockers: to reduce inflammation from the inside out

Phototherapy

• Sunlight: to reduce symptoms
• UVB light: to reduce inflammation and cell growth
• Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA): to treat severe psoriasis
• Excimer laser: to target difficult-to-treat areas and localized plaque psoriasis

Psoriasis Medications

• Steroids: to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching
• Biologics and immunosuppressants: to target specific immune pathways and reduce flare-ups
• Oral medications: to manage moderate to severe psoriasis

Managing Psoriasis Flare-ups

At-Home Care Tips

• Take daily baths or showers
• Keep your skin well-moisturized
• Moisturize and cover the affected areas overnight
• Keep your nails trimmed and avoid scratching
• Avoid known triggers
• Keep your skin cool
• Adopt healthy-living habits

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is usually triggered by something else, causing new or worsening symptoms.

How to Cure Psoriasis Permanently?

Is There a Cure for Psoriasis?

While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms, provide relief, and improve quality of life.

Long-Term Psoriasis Management

Consult your healthcare provider to determine which combination of psoriasis treatments and self-care habits is right for you and your unique needs.

Urgent Care for Psoriasis at Alamo City Urgent Care

How We Diagnose and Treat Psoriasis Effectively

At Alamo City Urgent Care, our providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of psoriasis. We focus on helping you manage flare-ups quickly and comfortably, with personalized care based on your symptoms and medical history.

What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit for Psoriasis

Your visit will begin with a comprehensive visual examination of your skin, scalp, and nails. If needed, we may take a small skin sample (biopsy) to examine under a microscope, helping us optimize your treatment.

Alamo City Urgent Care offers same-day treatment for several non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including psoriasis. Walk into your nearest location or save your spot in line to start feeling better today.

Learn more about rash and allergic reaction treatment options at Alamo City Urgent Care.