Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the body externally and internally, revealing itself in multiple organs including the skin, heart, muscles and bones.

Externally, the skin cells reproduce 7 times faster than normal skin, causing the skin to be thicker than normal. It is most easily recognized by red plaques with silvery scales. These plaques bleed easily when the scaling is scratched or picked off. Often these are on the arms, legs, hands, feet, elbows and knees.

Additionally, there is a long-term inflammation in the skin along with a mildly disrupted skin barrier which can often lead to chronic infection.

Suggestions To Help Psoriasis:

  • Use topical anti-inflammatory and barrier repair products
  • Use a pH-balanced, antimicrobial cleanser that will not strip the skin barrier
  • Maintain an anti-inflammatory/antioxidant diet
  • Avoid chocolate, alcohol and caffeine
  • Ensure your diet has high quality protein, such as eggs
  • Include “healthy” fats, such as omega-3 found in fish oil and almonds
  • Taking a daily multivitamin (with minerals), as well as oral Vitamin D (2,000 IU daily) and Vitamin B12 (1,000 IU daily) may be beneficial
  • Taking flax and borage oil supplements, as well as probiotics (acidophilus), may be beneficial
  • Moderate exercise is beneficial to reduce the immune imbalance (35 minutes, 5 times weekly)
  • Phototherapy may be beneficial
  • Harsh exfoliation, injury, or infection worsens visible spots.
  • If the plaques start to weep, you may need to begin taking antibiotics.

Psoriasis Treatments

Prescription treatment options such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressives, and biologics are also available. Schedule an appointment to speak to one of our medical providers to see what treatment options are best for you.

In your own words

Patient Testimonials

34th & West

“This was my first visit to Central Austin Dermatology. I was very pleased. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and the office was very clean and organized. Dr. Hendrix was very thorough, and listened to me when I was describing my concerns. I’ll go back!”

- G.G.
Anderson Ln.

“I’ve been coming to Dr.Cadmus for a little over a year now and before that went to Dr. Farrady. Dr Cadmus is really great! I am always able to get into seeing her quickly and she’s very thorough and great at her profession.”

- M.C.
Anderson Ln.

I’m happy to say that Dr. Simi Cadmus and PA Courtney Scamardo are continuing Dr. Katherine Farady’s high standards of care and service. Good dermatologists are hard to find; I strongly recommend this entire practice.

- B.E.
Anderson Ln.

Dr. Cadmus was awesome, she came and quickly diagnosed my condition, she was thorough, she took her time to explain in laymen’s terms so I could understand. The staff was curteous and kind and quite helpful. It was a wonderful visit!!!

- D.B.
Anderson Ln.

Courtney Scamardo and Jamie! Both were very kind and helpful with my daughters’ acne. They spent a good amount of time with us, were kind, patient, and gave 110%. Most impressed, highly recommended! A++

- H.C.
Anderson Ln.

The staff is extremely attentive and professional. And Courtney is the best you’ll ever meet. Very knowledgeable, professional and caring.

- G.J.