Psoriasis: Understanding the Condition — and How to Take Control

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that speeds up the way your body makes skin cells. Instead of renewing every few weeks, your skin starts turning over every few days — and that buildup causes thick, scaly patches to form on the surface.

It’s not contagious. But it can be persistent, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. At Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics, we’re here to help you manage flare-ups, reduce symptoms, and protect your long-term health.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

The most common type — affecting up to 90% of people with psoriasis — is called plaque psoriasis. It shows up as raised patches of skin (called plaques) with a dry, silvery-white scale. These patches can be:

  • Small or large

  • Isolated or joined together

  • Itchy, painful, or tight-feeling

You’ll often see plaques on:

  • Elbows

  • Knees

  • Lower back

  • Scalp

But they can appear anywhere on the body.

Without treatment, the itching can become intense. Some people describe stinging, burning, or cracking of the skin. And like many visible skin conditions, psoriasis can also take an emotional toll — affecting confidence, sleep, and quality of life.

Is Psoriasis a Lifelong Condition?

For most people, yes. Psoriasis is a chronic condition — meaning it can come and go throughout your life. There’s no cure yet, but with the right care, you can dramatically reduce flare-ups, minimize symptoms, and often keep your skin clear.

Some children with guttate psoriasis (a less common type) may outgrow the condition. But even in lifelong cases, having the right knowledge — and the right dermatologist — can make all the difference.

How We Help You Take Control

Managing psoriasis isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding the plan that works for you — and adjusting it as your skin, lifestyle, or stress levels change. At Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics, we help you:

  • Identify and avoid personal triggers (like stress, illness, or weather changes)

  • Develop a gentle, psoriasis-friendly skincare routine

  • Stay on top of your overall health — because psoriasis is linked to other conditions like psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease

  • Use safe, effective treatment — from topical creams to advanced biologics

And we’re with you every step of the way.

Why See a Dermatologist for Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is more than just dry skin. It’s an immune-related condition that can affect your joints, your energy, and your long-term health. We don’t just treat what’s on the surface — we monitor for signs of related conditions and help you feel in control of your skin and your health.

If you’ve been living with psoriasis — or think you may have it — we’re here to help you find answers, feel relief, and move forward with confidence.

You deserve comfort. You deserve answers. You deserve care that actually helps.


Schedule a visit with our team.