Explore Dermatology & Cosmetic SurgeryPsoriasis
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes skin to build up into scaly and sometimes itchy patches on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It can also affect your nails and, in some cases, may even involve associated arthritis. Though it is a common skin disorder, there isn’t a cure for psoriasis, making ongoing management of bothersome symptoms important to feeling your best.
As a large dermatology practice in an academic medical center, UConn Health offers comprehensive care to treat your psoriasis, including in-house injections and infusions, phototherapy, and other leading-edge treatments to ease your symptoms. Whether your psoriasis is mild or severe, we will work with you to find the right treatment.
Risk Factors and Prevention
While we still don’t know the exact cause of psoriasis, most experts believe it is related to an overactive immune system, which can cause your skin cells to grow faster than normal.
Psoriasis can exist in many forms that affect different parts of your body in different ways and can be triggered by trauma, infections, genetics, emotional stress, and medications.
Symptoms
- Skin plaques that are raised, thickened, discolored, or flaky
- Cracked or crumbly nails
- Dry or cracked skin
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
- Painful skin
Testing & Diagnosis
If you suspect you have psoriasis, your physician will perform a physical exam to diagnose and plan your treatment. They will ask questions to better understand your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them.
Your care team may recommend a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of psoriasis you have.
Treatment & Recovery
Fortunately, there are many psoriasis therapies available to treat different types of psoriasis, and your care team will work with you to identify the best treatment regimen for your skin condition.
These may include:
- Biologic medications
- Phototherapy (e.g., UVB, PUVA)
- Coal tar (reduces inflammation and itching in hard-to-treat psoriasis)
- Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant that helps severe psoriasis)
- Infliximab (IV infusion for plaque psoriasis)
- Laser treatments
- Methotrexate
- Retinoids
- Scalp treatments
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical vitamin D analogs
Psoriasis Resources & Support
The psoriasis experts at UConn Health are here to help you manage your symptoms with minimal impact on your life. See how we can help you.
Complete Psoriasis Care, One Convenient Location
The UConn Health Dermatology Psoriasis Center is a state-of-the-art center for treating and researching psoriasis in a dedicated space. You can receive leading-edge treatments like phototherapy, hand and foot baths, and medication injections all in one place.
Unique Therapies for Psoriasis
UConn Health is the only health system in the region to offer phototherapy, a non-systemic psoriasis treatment with minimal side effects. Our in-house phototherapy unit is staffed with registered nurses trained to deliver this treatment.
Patient Education
Psoriasis treatment can feel complicated, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. UConn Health has a professional nursing staff dedicated to providing you with extensive support to help you manage your psoriasis, including the most up-to-date information on the latest therapeutic options.
Research & Clinical Trials
As an academic medical center, UConn Health brings the latest psoriasis research and clinical trials to the forefront for you. The clinical research team is housed within the Psoriasis Center to conduct research and clinical trials that are open to psoriasis patients at UConn Health.