Red patches, itchiness, scales, and irritation can keep you from living your most comfortable and confident life. Fortunately, relief is possible with psoriasis treatment at our Medford, OR, dermatology practice serving Grants Pass, Ashland, and the Northern CA counties.

Our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience treating psoriasis and similar conditions. You have years of expertise on your side as you explore ways to limit flare-ups, minimize your symptoms, and soothe your skin.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which cells turn over at a higher-than-normal rate, causing scales and red patches. It is chronic, noncontagious, and thought to be related to the immune system.

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

  • Plaque: This most common type causes red patches with silvery scales, often on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp.
  • Pustular: This rarer form causes pus-filled lesions, sometimes in widespread areas and other times on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
  • Guttate: Often caused by bacterial infections and mainly affecting young adults and children, this type causes small, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms, and legs.
  • Inverse: Often associated with fungal infections, this type typically occurs in skin folds and areas prone to sweating or friction.
  • Erythrodermic: This least common form of psoriasis causes a widespread red and peeling patch that severely burns and itches.

Psoriasis is also associated with psoriatic arthritis, which causes swollen and painful joints.

What Are Common Psoriasis Symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

  • Red patches
  • Silver scales
  • Small scaling spots
  • Dry or cracked skin
  • Itching and burning
  • Stiff or swollen joints

Many people experience psoriasis in cycles with sporadic flare-ups of their symptoms.

What Triggers Psoriasis Flareups?

While psoriasis is believed to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, it is often triggered by an outside event, such as:

  • Bacterial or fungal infection
  • Injury to the skin
  • Stress
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Smoking

Many people go without symptoms for years before experiencing a flare-up.

  • Dr. Kevin Wright
    Dr. Wright Certified By ABD Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery
  • Dr. Curtis (Lamar) Hardy
  • Dr. Gatti
  • Larry Weidell
  • Dr. Kelly Mead
  • Liesel “Elle” Ernst, MCHS, PA-C

Meet Your Dermatology Team

Our providers are highly trained with extensive academic backgrounds at some of the finest educational institutions in the world. You can trust our board-certified dermatologists to deliver exceptional, innovative care in the Rogue Region.

Meet Our Providers

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

When you visit a dermatologist for psoriasis, they will start by examining your symptoms and discussing your skin’s history. You may have a biopsy performed to confirm whether you have psoriasis or another condition.

What Are the Best Treatments for Psoriasis?

While psoriasis is chronic and incurable, proper treatment can reduce the severity and frequency of your flare-ups. The best approach is typically to start with milder therapies such as topical products and light therapy before advancing to other medications as needed.

Topical Products

Topical products that may relieve your symptoms include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Vitamin D
  • Retinoids
  • Salicylic acid
  • Coal tar
  • Calcineurin inhibitors

Your dermatologist will recommend the best product for you based on your symptoms and the type of psoriasis you are experiencing.


Light Therapy

Sunlight, UVA or UVB treatments, and other forms of photodynamic therapy can relieve symptoms both in the short term and long term with regular maintenance.


Oral and Injectable Medications

Your dermatologist may recommend oral or injectable medications to relieve inflammation, temporarily suppress your immune system, or disrupt the disease cycle to minimize your symptoms.

Does Insurance Cover Psoriasis Treatment?

Most major insurance carriers do cover certain forms of psoriasis treatment. We will discuss any expected costs with you as we develop your personalized treatment plan.

Your Healthiest
Skin Starts Today

If you’re dealing with symptoms of psoriasis, know you’re not alone. You have an experienced team of board-certified dermatologists on your side who are ready to help you enjoy your best skin and your best life. To get started, please book online or call (541) 200-2777. We welcome people seeking psoriasis treatment from throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.

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