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Chronic Care Psoriasis
Chronic Care Psoriasis

Psoriasis treatment available online today

In order to treat your psoriasis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get a prescription and get rid of dry or inflamed skin. Get a new prescription to treat psoriasis or refill an existing prescription today.*

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of psoriasis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Learn about psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) autoimmune condition that causes sped up skin growth. The rapid growth of skin cells causes a buildup on the skin's surface, leading to inflammation, redness, and scaly patches of skin.

Many psoriasis patients experience cycles, with symptoms flaring up for a few weeks before subsiding. Scales usually develop on the joints, but they can develop anywhere on the body. There are five types of psoriasis:

 

  • Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis affects 80–90 percent of people with the condition. Plaque psoriasis causes red patches on light skin tones and purple/brown patches on darker skin tones.

  • Guttate psoriasis: The main symptom of guttate psoriasis is small, red bumps on the skin. These bumps usually cover the torso, legs, and arms.

  • Pustular psoriasis: People with pustular psoriasis have pus-filled blisters and red patches on their skin. This type of psoriasis usually happens on smaller areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.

  • Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis develops where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, genitals, and buttocks. It causes red, shiny, and inflamed skin that may be sore or painful.

  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: Erythrodermic psoriasis is severe. It covers large areas of the body at once, causing the skin to appear sunburned. Many people also experience fever and have another type of psoriasis.

Psoriasis causes

Psoriasis occurs when an overactive immune system speeds up skin growth. Normal skin cells grow and shed within a month. However, if you have psoriasis, skin cells can grow as quickly as 3–4 days.

Instead of shedding, new cells build up on the skin's surface, causing plaques and scales. Scaly patches of skin can happen anywhere on the body, but they commonly affect the elbows, knees, and scalp.

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Research suggests that genetics and environmental factors may also play a role.

Psoriasis is commonly associated with other health conditions, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Heart disease

  • Psoriatic arthritis

  • Anxiety and depression

Symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis. For some people, the affected area may be confined to the scalp or elbows. For others, psoriasis can affect larger areas.

Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

  • Inflamed patches of skin - these patches may appear red on lighter skin tones or purple/brown on darker skin tones

  • White or silver scales on red patches, or gray scales on purple/brown patches

  • Dry skin that cracks and bleeds

  • Soreness, pain, and itching around the patches

  • Joint pain and swelling


Many psoriasis patients experience flare-ups. You may experience severe symptoms for a few days, and then your symptoms may become more manageable. Sometimes, symptoms can disappear completely.

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How to treat psoriasis

While there's no cure for psoriasis, treatment can help remove plaques, reduce inflammation, and slow skin cell growth. Effective treatment options include:

 

  • Topical treatments: Applying topical treatment to the affected skin can help reduce mild psoriasis. Common topical treatments include topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone creams, retinoids like Retin-A (tretinoin), salicylic acid, and coal tar.

  • Systemic medications: If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms.

  • Light therapy: Light therapy treatments for psoriasis use ultraviolet (UV) or natural light to kill overactive white blood cells. Both UVA and UVB light can help reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Psoriasis medications

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis your doctor may recommend prescription medications to manage the condition, such as:

Biologics

Biologic medications (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade) alter the immune system by targeting specific pathways. These medications are injected or given through intravenous (IV) infusion. In addition to improving symptoms, biologics can also help slow or stop processes that cause joint damage.

Retinoids

Retinoids slow down skin cell production, which can help prevent scales, patchiness, and inflammation. However, once you stop using retinoid prescription medication, your symptoms will likely return.

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) reduces your immune system response to make symptoms more manageable. However, if you have a weakened immune system, this medication can increase your vulnerability to illness.

Methotrexate

Methotrexate also suppresses the immune response. Because it can cause serious side effects, healthcare professionals don't prescribe this medication over the long term.

 

 

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How to prevent psoriasis

Because the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it's not possible to prevent the condition. If you have psoriasis, avoiding common triggers can help you prevent flare-ups:

 

  • High stress levels

  • Skin injuries, such as cuts and scrapes

  • Frequently drinking alcohol

  • Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke

  • Drops in temperature and humidity

  • Certain medications, such as hypertension drugs and lithium

  • Getting tattoos and piercings

  • Shaving

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When to see a doctor for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect your daily life. If you think you have psoriasis, book an appointment with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and start a treatment plan.

 

You should also talk to your doctor if:

 

  • You notice new or worsening psoriasis symptoms.

  • Your treatments aren't working.

  • You're experiencing joint swelling, pain, or stiffness.

  • You can't stop scratching the affected area.

Psoriasis treatment FAQs

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

The most common symptom of psoriasis is a skin rash. If you have psoriasis, your skin might appear itchy, red, or scaly across your elbows, knees, or back.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Common symptoms include:

  • White or silver scales on red patches, or grey scales on purple/brown patches

  • Dry skin that cracks and bleeds

  • Raised patches of skin. These patches may appear red on lighter skin or purple/brown on darker skin.

  • Soreness, pain, and itching around the dry patches

  • Joint pain and swelling

What causes psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, these specific triggers can cause uncomfortable symptom flare-ups for psoriasis patients:

  • High levels of stress

  • Frequent or excessive drinking

  • Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke

  • Infections, including skin infections and strep throat

  • Cold, dry weather

  • Skin injuries, such as bug bites or sunburns

  • Certain medications, including hypertension drugs and lithium

How is psoriasis treated?

Psoriasis treatment depends on the type and severity of psoriasis. Mild cases can usually be treated with moistening lotions, emollients, and other topical treatments. If you're experiencing a flare-up, your doctor may prescribe steroid creams to reduce symptoms.

Other treatments for psoriasis include:

  • Topical medications, including coal tar, anthralin, and vitamin A deviations

  • Prescription medications, such as retinoids and biologics, for more severe cases

  • Light therapy, which helps slow skin cell production

 

Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to choose the best treatment for you. Book a video appointment with a licensed medical provider from PlushCare for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.

Will the doctor be able to write me a psoriasis prescription?

Yes, a doctor can write you a psoriasis prescription to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you want to skip the visit to the doctor's office, book a phone or video appointment with an online PlushCare doctor to get psoriasis treatment online.

If our doctors deem it necessary to prescribe you psoriasis medication, they will electronically send your prescription to your local pharmacy as soon as your appointment is over, ensuring that you get prompt and efficient treatment.

If your psoriasis is severe, a PlushCare doctor may recommend taking prescription medication or getting injections of medications to control your symptoms. Some common prescription medications for severe psoriasis include:

  • Biologics (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade)

  • Immune-suppressing medications (Methotrexate, Cyclosporine)

  • Vitamin A and D derivatives

 

While prescription medication can help improve symptoms and make psoriasis more manageable, it's important to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment for you. Some medications often come with severe side effects, especially with long-term use.

What are my options for over the counter psoriasis treatment?

While there are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help manage psoriasis symptoms like itching and flaking, seeing a qualified doctor is important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Psoriasis can mimic other skin conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. In addition to making sure you get an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe stronger medications like topical corticosteroids for more effective psoriasis management.

Your doctor can also develop a personalized plan that may include a combination of OTC products, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications to achieve long-term control of your psoriasis. Our board-certified physicians are available 24/7 for convenient online telehealth consultations. Within an hour, you can discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get a treatment plan that might include recommendations for OTC products – all from the comfort of your home.

3 simple steps to get treated for psoriasis today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a psoriasis treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your psoriasis symptoms

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up a prescription for psoriasis.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to psoriasis

Anxiety and depression

Crohn's disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Psoriatic arthritis

Type 2 diabetes

Psoriasis treatment pricing details

To request Psoriasis treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
Book an appointment
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.