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Psoriasis treatment

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

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Need to know more about psoriasis treatment? We’ve got you covered.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a disease that primarily affects the skin, but it can also damage the joints and affect other organs in some cases. About 5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis.

There are 5 different kinds of psoriasis that can be diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash:

  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type causes widespread reddening of the skin that looks like a sunburn. If you think that you have this, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room for treatment.
  • Guttate psoriasis: This type causes lesions shaped like water drops and is usually triggered by an infection such as a strep throat.
  • Intertriginous (inverse) psoriasis: This type causes red patches near the genitals, under the breasts and in the armpits.
  • Plaque psoriasis: The most common form of psoriasis. It causes red skin lesions that are covered by silver-colored scales.
  • Pustular psoriasis: This type causes blisters on the skin and is usually caused by medications, infections and stress.

What symptoms can occur with psoriasis?

Psoriasis causes thick, red, scaly patches, called “plaques” or “lesions,” to form on the skin. Plaques usually itch or feel sore. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the elbows, knees, face, scalp and lower back. The appearance of psoriasis can cause embarrassment. People often try to cover up the areas of their skin where the psoriasis shows.

Getting help

Your MinuteClinic provider can discuss your symptoms and health history. They can examine you and determine the severity of your psoriasis. Mild psoriasis can be treated at MinuteClinic while more extensive forms of the disease might need to be treated by a specialist such as a rheumatologist, immunologist or dermatologist.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Psoriasis causes, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when skin cells grow too rapidly. Usually, it takes about 4 weeks for skin cells to grow and move to the surface of your skin. In psoriasis, the cells make it to the surface of the skin in just a few days, where they pile up and cause problems.

People with psoriasis often notice that there are times when their skin is better and worse. They may also notice that certain things make their skin rash worse such as:

  • Certain medications such as beta blockers
  • Dry skin
  • Infections
  • Injury to the skin
  • Stress

Psoriasis is not contagious. It can run in families but cannot be passed from person to person by touching another someone’s skin or by sharing items like towels or clothing.

  • Mild psoriasis: This type can be treated with medicines you apply directly to your skin (topical medicine).
  • Moderate psoriasis: This type is usually treated with topical medicines as well as special light treatment (phototherapy).
  • Severe psoriasis: This type is treated with special medicines that suppress the immune system. These medicines may be injected (IV or shot) or taken by mouth.

Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by looking at the rash.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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