If you suffer from psoriasis, you are among the many Canadians who also experience the frustration of trying to find relief. At the Canadian Dermatology Centre in Toronto, we are prepared to help you find relief from your primary concerns with psoriasis. While our priority is your skin health, we also have the resources to help you take control of psoriasis as a whole.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by a rapid development of skin cells. When normal, healthy skin creates new cells on a daily basis and also sheds cells at around the same rate. This allows the new skin cells to simply replace the old ones.
In patients with psoriasis, the new skin cells produce at a much more rapid rate than the old cells shed. This causes the new cells to accumulate under the skin, creating itchy, scaly patches. Such patches can sometimes be painful.
At the Canadian Dermatology Centre, we help our patients find relief from an array of psoriasis symptoms. To learn more, please contact our clinic in Toronto.
What are my options for psoriasis treatment in Toronto?
When most patients see us for psoriasis treatment, they first ask if it can be cured. Unfortunately, psoriasis is not yet curable. Despite that, we can help you manage the symptoms with cutting-edge treatment and lifestyle coaching. In addition, there are medications that have also been effective in controlling symptoms.
When you come to our clinic to address psoriasis, we will examine the full array of options to create a highly customized program for your unique needs. We may opt simply for topical treatment, or we employ more advanced treatment.
Common signs and symptoms
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed
- Itching
- Burning or soreness
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas.
Who gets psoriasis?
- 2-4% of the population is affected
- It may start at any age with peaks of onset at 15-25 years and 50-60 years
- Lifelong condition that comes and goes in cycles
- More common in Caucasians
- About 30% of patients with psoriasis have family members with psoriasis
What causes psoriasis?
The cause of psoriasis is multifactorial - that is, many factors contribute to its cause. As mentioned before, there is some genetic component as it is known to run in families in about 30% of the cases. There is also an immunological component - as psoriasis is classified as an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease.
Factors that aggravate psoriasis
These factors are known to aggravate psoriasis
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Stressful event
- Skin trauma such as cuts, abrasions and sunburn
- Infections such as streptococcal tonsillitis
Treatment of psoriasis
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, we can still help you manage the symptoms. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks to months, and then subsiding again. After a thorough examination of your psoriasis condition, our board-certified dermatologists will recommend a personalized treatment option that will be effective in managing the symptoms.
Topical therapy
Mild psoriasis is generally treated with topical agents. Some examples are topical corticosteroids, dithranol and salicylic acid.
Phototherapy
We often combine phototherapy with UV radiation in conjunction wtih topical therapy.
Systemic therapy
In situations of moderate to severe psoriasis, we elect to treat it with systemic agents, such as cyclosporin, methotrexate.
How do I get started?
When you come to see us, our dermatologists will thoroughly discuss your psoriasis concerns. We will perform an exam to determine your situation and put together a unique Toronto psoriasis treatment program for you. Throughout the process, our goal is to help you both feel and look better. Please call our office today to schedule a private consultation.
