Psoriasis Treatment
Immune-driven skin condition — diagnosis and treatment at Arthritis Care of Texas.
Your skin cells grow too fast and pile up, forming thick, scaly patches. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, not by an infection, and it is not contagious. Treatment slows skin growth and calms the immune system.
There is no cure yet — the goal is control: clear or nearly clear skin, minimal itch, and preventing the joint disease (psoriatic arthritis) that can accompany psoriasis. Success looks like skin you do not have to plan your clothes, work, or social life around — and many patients reach exactly that on modern treatment.
Psoriasis is a dermatological condition that causes the build-up of skin cells on the skin. Instead of shedding normally, the skin forms patches that may become thick, inflamed, and painful. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but symptoms and "flare-ups" may come and go. Most patients require medications to remove psoriasis plaques and also prevent their formation.
Many psoriasis treatments are applied topically, such as corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, anthralin and topical retinoids. Others — especially those given for severe psoriasis — are administered orally. Psoriasis patients need the reliability of a trusted rheumatologist to ensure that medications are always available.
Did you know… psoriasis affects more than 7 million people in the U.S. alone? Worldwide, psoriasis affects between 2 and 3 percent of the global population. Although it does not discriminate by gender, it does seem to affect certain populations more than others — according to the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis is most common among people in Scandinavia and northern Europe.
Why should I see a rheumatologist?
In the same way you want the very best dermatologist to treat your psoriasis, you can also benefit from seeing a rheumatologist who understands psoriasis treatment and medications. Your rheumatologist can help you understand your prescriptions, and provide helpful tips for taking them.
What should I expect from a visit to a rheumatologist?
You can expect your rheumatologist to work with you to develop formulations of your medications that best fit your needs. Your Corpus Christi rheumatologist also knows the types of drugs and medications that could make your symptoms worse. Your visit could include helpful tips for avoiding medicines that contain ingredients like lithium or beta-blockers.
Is there anything I need to discuss with my rheumatologist?
Yes. Always tell your rheumatologist if you are taking any other supplements or medications, or if you are allergic to any food or drugs. Be upfront about any questions you have. Call your doctor and rheumatologist immediately if you begin to experience any side effects.
Did you know?
- Healthy skin cells take about a month to travel from the deepest layer to the surface. Psoriasis rushes the trip to just a few days — and the pile-up of extra cells is what forms the plaques.
- Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it by touching, hugging, or sharing a swimming pool.
- Hippocrates described scaly skin conditions more than 2,000 years ago — psoriasis has been keeping human company for a very long time.
Common worries
Is psoriasis contagious? Can I pass it to my family?
No. Psoriasis is an immune-system condition, not an infection — it cannot be caught by touch, sharing towels, swimming pools, or any contact. No one gave it to you, and you cannot give it to anyone.
Is it just a skin problem?
The skin is the visible part, but psoriasis is whole-body inflammation: it raises the importance of heart health, weight, and joint checks at every visit. That is why we ask about joints and check blood pressure and cholesterol — it is the same disease, managed properly.
Why do I need screening tests before a skin treatment?
The effective modern treatments calm immune pathways, so we screen for hidden infections such as TB and check baseline bloods first — because these medicines can let a dormant infection wake up. The checks are what make the treatment safe to use for years.
Related Psoriatic arthritis · Humira (adalimumab) · Enbrel (etanercept) · Article: Understanding psoriasis · Request an appointment
What counts as a flare: plaques spreading or thickening quickly, many new small spots appearing (often after a throat infection), skin becoming painful, or new joint pain and swelling alongside the skin.
What to do: call us at (361) 400-7700, especially if the skin is painful, blistering with white pustules, or red over most of the body — those need same-day advice. Keep using your prescribed creams meanwhile.
Do not adjust steroids on your own: never start steroid tablets for psoriasis without calling — stopping them can trigger a severe rebound, including pustular flares.
What isn’t a flare: a small dry patch, mild itch on a dry winter day, or a plaque that fades and returns in its usual spot. Mention persistent change at your next visit.
Ready to be seen? New patients are seen within 2–4 weeks.