Preventing the spread of itchy, red, scaly patches can be a challenge when you have psoriasis. Fortunately, your dermatologist in Batavia, IL, Dr. Sharon Horton, offers treatments that can slow or stop the spread. Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery serves the entire Batavia area, including Wheaton, Elgin, DeKalb, Naperville, Aurora and St. Charles, IL.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the growth and shedding of skin cells. The cells grow much more quickly than normal due to incorrect messages sent by your immune system. As a result, the cells build up on your skin and form scaly patches called plaques. The patches can be red, scaly or silvery in appearance. Psoriasis can spread anywhere on the body, although it most often affects the knees, elbows, lower back, scalp and face.

What can I do to stop psoriasis from spreading?

You can reduce the risk of spreading by:

• Keeping Stress Under Control: Stress can cause flare-ups, which can lead to widespread plaques. Any activity that decreases your stress level, whether it's watching a movie, exercising, chatting with a friend or meditating, can help you avoid worsening or spreading psoriasis.
• Moisture Your Skin: Dry skin is a common cause of psoriasis flare-ups. Moisturizing your skin makes it easy for the scaly cells to fall off and also helps reduce itching. Avoid products with added fragrances, as the chemicals could irritate your skin and make your psoriasis worse.
• Take a Bath: Warm baths soften plaques and can reduce skin cell build-up. Be sure to use warm, not hot, water, as hot water can dry your skin and make your psoriasis worse.
• Talk to Your Dermatologist: If your psoriasis worsens or continues to spread, despite home care measures, it's time to call your skin doctor. Luckily, the Batavia, IL, office is convenient whether you live in Wheaton, Elgin, DeKalb, Naperville, Aurora or St. Charles. Depending on the severity of your psoriasis, your treatment plan could include prescription creams or ointments, oral immunosuppressants or biologics, or light therapy.

Do you need help managing your psoriasis? If you live in Batavia, IL, or Wheaton, Elgin, DeKalb, Naperville, Aurora, St. Charles, IL, give Dr. Horton at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery a call. You can reach her at (630) 482-3700.