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| Frequently Asked Questions Archive |
Dr. Scott Sheftel
Board Certified Dermatologist
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Q: I have a very itchy skin rash on my shins. It gets extremely red. It sometimes bleeds from scratching. My skin is also very dry. What do you think?
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A: A common location for psoriasis is on the knees. Make an appointment with your dermatologist as this can condition can be controlled. You will then have a diagnosis and treatment. Click here to read about psoriasis on YourSkinDoctor.com. |
Q: I am 38 years old. I've had psoriasis for 5 years. Recently, my psoriasis is on one of my breast but I would like to breast feed my baby whom I just gave birth to. Will that effect my baby in any way at all?
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A: Psoriasis is not contagious. This is a skin condition of skin cell overactivity. Cells in psoriatic areas are growing faster than the adjacent skin cells. Research has shown us that there is a genetic predisposition as to why people get this. Sometimes bacteria can grow in psoriatic plaques. I will remind you that we all have bacteria on our skin. The point is that if you are breast feeding in an area of psoriasis, you should wash the area with soap and water before breast feeding. There is an good write-up on psoriasis at the following link -> Psoriasis. |
Q: I have constant dryness on the palms of my hands. They are red and sometimes crack. When they got real bad, I got a diagnosis of psoriasis and I’m not sure it is right. Is there any place online I can see pictures so I can double check whether she’s right?
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A: This is a good question as there are many look-a-likes for rashes on the hands. The differential diagnosis includes psoriasis, eczema or contact dermatitis among others. Initially, conventional treatment with prescription cortisone creams is tried. We also will restrict irritating factors such as exposure to chemicals, excessive friction and/or water. If the above is not helpful, we do patch tests for allergies and a skin biopsy. As you can see, you should consult with your dermatologist. Read about hand rashes on YourSkinDoctor.com. Psoriasis picture. |
Q: My mother has suffered with a rash on he legs for over a year now it starts as red purplish blotches and over time they turn like brown bruises at times they can also itch but not much. Can you help as the doctor says its psoriasis but has never tested her. It is really quite ugly. When it does fade it returns at a latter time again. She has been taking Colloidal silver. Can you please help as she wont go and tell her doctor how bad it is?
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A: There are a number of conditions that can cause “red purplish blotches” in the skin. Psoriasis is one of them. An experienced dermatologist many times can make the diagnosis without a skin biopsy. Your mother really needs to tell her doctor how bad it is. These conditions are treatable and controllable. There are over -the-counter and prescription treatments available. Read about Psoriasis in YourSkinDoctor.com. |
Q: I live in Iran and I have psoriasis for 3 years . My Doctor told me it is not bad because it appeared on my head (between my hair) and part of back side of my hand. I use a topical steroid. When I use 2 times in a week, they will disappear but when I don't use the steroid cream, it will be appear slowly. Is it dangerous?
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A: Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition characterized by red scaling plaques on the skin. People with psoriasis have a genetic predisposition. It affects both men and women at any age. Treatments include sun exposure, topical tars, topical cortisone creams, oral immunosuppressants and newer treatments called biologics that specifically address the inflammatory components of psoriasis. All treatments have certain side-effects. For example, cortisone creams can thin the skin with excessive use. Treatments are individualized to the degree of psoriatic involvement and an individual's needs. An extensive write-up on psoriasis is available on YourSkinDoctor.com. This should give you some ideas on treatment options. You should also review these options with your doctor.
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Q: I think I have psoriasis on my elbows. I was curious if it could be on your chest too. I get a rash on my chest. It started about a year ago and keeps getting worse. It itches only sometimes. I went to a free doctor and they said it was some skin condition called tricolor something...
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A: Common conditions that can affect the chest are seborrhea (dandruff), eczema, and localized fungal infections such as tinea versicolor. People who have psoriasis can get it anywhere on their body. Usually, Psoriasis, Seborrhea and Eczema are controlled with either daily shampoos or creams. Read about these in YourSkinDoctor.com. Tinea versicolor is a localized fungal infection that can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and/or selenium or zinc shampoos. |
Q: What do you think of laser treatment for psoriasis? How effective is it? How does it work?
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A: Laser treatment for psoriasis looks very promising. It is new and the initial studies don't have long term follow-up. It looks like it is most effective for plaque type psoriasis. For some people it will be amazing. Give it try and let me know.
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Q: I'm 35yrs old and recently have developed a rash on my elbows which is very itchy. The rash is little spots under the skin, which gives it a rough texture and is itchy - can you help? I am now trying a hydrocortisone cream - what do you think?
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A: Elbow rashes are suggestive of psoriasis. Read YourSkinDoctor.com - Psoriasis. |
Q: I have had a patch of VERY itchy, red and sore skin on my left lower shin for the past 2 years. It doesn't spread, nor does it go completely away. I have seen a Dermatologist for this and have been given zrytec, and an ointment, clobeterson (sp) that I use for 2 weeks on and then 1 week off. Just wondering why this won't go away.
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A: "Rashes" on the elbows and knees are very characteristic of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition, not a disease or infection, that is associated with a genetic disposition. The skin essentially grows faster than adjacent skin in certain areas. Right now we don't know what causes psoriasis or why people get it at different stages in their lives. Most often the condition is controlled but not cured. Treatments for this condition vary and include: sunlight, topical cortisone creams, prescription topical retinoids or vitamin D, and dead sea salts. Oral medications may be used depending on the severity of involvement. See Psoriasis in YourSkinDoctor.com for more information. |
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