Love Your Skin

Abington Dermatology is a clinic specializing in psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Welcome to Abington Dermatology!

We specialize in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of psoriasis and other severe skin disorders. Our highly trained clinical staff is here to help you regain control over your psoriasis, so you can lead a happier, more active life. If you've been suffering from psoriasis, know that you are not alone. It is estimated that at least 2 percent of the US population is affected by psoriasis every year. Millions of Americans face this painful, frustrating condition every day, but there is hope. You no longer need to suffer in silence from the embarrassing, painful effects of psoriasis. Our clinic offers state-of-the-art treatment for all types of dermatological conditions, with a focus on psoriasis.

There is hope!

What is Psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but we do know that it stems from an immune response to your body's skin regeneration process. It is a lifelong condition with no known cure, though there are many highly effective treatment options available. Normal skin sloughs off old skin cells while regenerating new ones to replace them. With psoriasis, however, this process is mutated, and the skin cells are reproduced much too rapidly, causing a buildup of old and new skin cells on the skin's surface. This results in dry, itchy, flaky, scaly patches of skin that can be painful and embarrassing. The typical areas affected by psoriasis are the knees, scalp, and elbows, though it can affect any part of the body. The rash comes and goes, a process known as outbreaks or flare ups, and will sometimes disappear for weeks or months before returning. Outbreaks can range from very mild to very severe, and may differ with each outbreak.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, some of them more common than others.

The most common are:

Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common form of psoriasis, and is accompanied by the tale-tell itchy, raised, red patches of skin known as plaques. The rash often appears flaky or scaly and can appear on any part of the body, though it is most common on the knees, scalp, and elbows. The rash will vary by outbreak, sometimes leaving only a few plaques, and other times appearing in more extreme forms that can cause itching, bleeding, dry and cracked skin.

Scalp Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis only affect the hairline and scalp. Plaques form on the scalp leaving your head itchy, dry, and red, and can result in dandruff-like flaking from the scalp.

Nail Psoriasis

Nails will appear brittle, ridged, discolored, or pitted. Many people, including physicians, mistake this type of psoriasis for a fungal infection. In extreme cases, nails may become loosened from the nail bed and fall off.

Pustular Psoriasis

Can be widespread or localized and leaves pustular patches of skin on feet, fingertips or hands.

Inverse Psoriasis

Leaves patches under breasts, armpits, groin, and genitals. Most commonly seen in overweight individuals and is made worse with exposure to sweat and friction.

Guttate Psoriasis

Generally triggered by a bacterial infection, guttate psoriasis is triggered by a bacterial infection and usually occurs in people under age 30. It results in small, tear-drop shaped plaques on the torso, legs, arms, or scalp. This type of psoriasis tends to resolve itself quickly, but may reoccur later in life.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is the least common type of psoriasis, and may cover the entire body with a visible red rash, which tends to peel, burn, and cause itching. Medications and sunburns can trigger this type of psoriasis, especially in individuals who already suffer from another form of psoriasis.