Psoriasis is an auto immune disease caused when the body’s immune system that is designed to protect you from infection goes awry. Psoriasis treatments are performed by Dr. DeEtta Gray for patients from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Seattle and throughout the Northwest.
What causes psoriasis?
It is an age-old problem that affects 2-3% of the world’s population. Of those affected, as many as 25% can develop associated arthritis. Psoriasis can begin at age 1 or age 100. It It is partially related to genetics and partially related to external factors or “triggers”. Psoriasis triggers are not universal. What may cause one person’s psoriasis to become active, may not affect another. Established psoriasis triggers include: stress, skin injury, some medications, strep infections and perhaps allergies, diet or weather.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not contagious. It can be aggravated by infection but it is not caused by infection. Nonetheless, it can be socially isolating as those who suffer with psoriasis can withdraw from friends and family.
Psoriasis treatment
Our doctor has extensive training and performs a variety of psoriasis treatments including topical medications, phototherapeutic measures (narrow band-UVB), and traditional systemic anti-psoriatic medications [methotrexate, cyclosporine (Neoral), acitretin Soriatane], and the new generation of biologic agents to treat psoriasis [Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab) and Stelara (ustekinumab)].
Dr Gray will carefully evaluate your condition and design a custom psoriasis treatment program that is just right for you. Many of our patients are clear in less than 30 days of their first visit.