Psoriasis Treatment in Pensacola, FL

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people across the U.S. While it’s not contagious, it can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. If you’re living with psoriasis, it’s important to know that effective, personalized treatments are available — and support is closer than you think. At Pensacola Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists offer expert psoriasis care to help you manage flare-ups and improve your skin health long term.

Pensacola Psoriasis Treatment

At Pensacola Dermatology, we understand that psoriasis is more than just a skin condition — it can impact your daily life, self-esteem, and overall wellness. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every treatment plan. Whether you’re experiencing mild scaling or more severe plaques, our team works with you to identify triggers, reduce inflammation, and restore skin clarity with safe, evidence-based therapies.

Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in your skin, reduce flare-ups, and provide lasting relief. With ongoing care, many of our patients experience significant improvement and greater confidence in their skin.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This leads to an overproduction of skin cells, causing them to build up on the surface and form thick, scaly patches.

Common triggers and contributing factors include:

• Genetics and family history — Psoriasis often runs in families. If one or both of your parents have the condition, your risk increases.
• Immune system dysfunction — In psoriasis, T-cells (a type of white blood cell) become overactive, speeding up the skin cell life cycle.
• Stress — Emotional or physical stress can trigger flare-ups or make symptoms worse.
• Infections — Conditions like strep throat can initiate or exacerbate psoriasis, especially in children.
• Weather changes — Cold, dry climates may lead to more frequent flare-ups.
• Skin injuries — Cuts, scrapes, or sunburns may trigger a response known as the Koebner phenomenon.
• Medications — Certain drugs, like beta-blockers or lithium, can contribute to symptoms.

Types of Psoriasis

• Plaque psoriasis — The most common form, it causes raised, red patches with silvery scales. Often appears on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Guttate psoriasis — Appears as small, drop-like spots, often triggered by infections. Common in children and young adults.
• Inverse psoriasis — Affects skin folds such as under the arms or behind the knees. Skin appears red, shiny, and smooth rather than scaly.
• Pustular psoriasis — Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin. This type can be painful and may require immediate medical attention.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis — A rare but severe type causing widespread redness, shedding, and discomfort. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing psoriasis typically begins with a physical exam and medical history. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions.

Once diagnosed, your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan based on:

• The type of psoriasis
• Severity of the condition
• Location of the plaques
• Patient health history and lifestyle factors

Common treatment options include:

• Topical treatments — Prescription creams and ointments like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar can reduce inflammation and scaling.
• Phototherapy (light therapy) — Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light helps slow skin cell growth. Narrowband UVB therapy is a common, safe option.
• Systemic medications — For moderate to severe cases, oral or injected medications like methotrexate or cyclosporine may be prescribed.
• Biologic therapies — Targeted treatments that block specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. Biologics are typically used when other treatments aren’t effective or suitable.
• Lifestyle modifications — Stress management, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding known triggers can make a significant difference in symptom control.

Managing Psoriasis

Because psoriasis is a chronic condition, ongoing management is essential to minimize flare-ups and maintain healthy skin.

Long-term strategies include:

• Daily skincare routines — Keeping skin moisturized helps reduce dryness and scaling.
• Trigger avoidance — Identifying and avoiding personal triggers, such as certain foods or weather conditions, can prevent flare-ups.
• Stress reduction — Mindfulness practices, exercise, or therapy can help reduce stress levels, which in turn may reduce symptoms.
• Dietary support — While no specific diet cures psoriasis, some patients find symptom relief by avoiding processed foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Regular follow-ups — Working closely with your dermatologist ensures your treatment plan stays effective as your condition or lifestyle changes.

At Pensacola Dermatology, we work with you to develop a sustainable plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of living with psoriasis.

Find Relief with Expert Psoriasis Care in Pensacola

You don’t have to navigate psoriasis alone. At Pensacola Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide compassionate, personalized care to help you take control of your skin health. Request your appointment today and discover treatment options that truly work — right here in Pensacola, FL.