Psoriasis

What it is

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-based inflammatory disease that speeds up skin cell turnover and forms red plaques covered with whitish scales, most common on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious, progresses in cycles of improvement and flare-up, and can affect the nails and joints. It is also associated with a higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk, which makes comprehensive care important. At Femi Saúde, Dr. Ana Kappes classifies the type and severity, investigates signs of joint involvement, and organizes treatment ranging from creams and phototherapy to systemic medications and biologics, always mindful of the impact on quality of life.

Most common symptoms

• Red plaques with silvery scales
• Lesions on the elbows, knees and scalp
• Itching or burning in the plaques
• Nails with pitting, discoloration or detachment
• Joint pain or swelling
• Dry skin that cracks and bleeds

Causes and risk factors

• Genetic predisposition
• Immune system dysregulation
• Infections, especially strep throat
• Physical or emotional stress
• Certain medications, alcohol and smoking
• Skin trauma (Koebner phenomenon)

How it is diagnosed

The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually made through clinical examination, based on the characteristic appearance of the plaques, their distribution, and involvement of the nails and scalp. Dermoscopy helps distinguish it from other scaling conditions, such as eczema and fungal infections. When in doubt, a skin biopsy confirms the diagnosis. The dermatologist assesses the extent of the disease using specific scoring tools, asks about joint pain, and, when necessary, orders blood tests to investigate comorbidities and prepare for the use of systemic medications.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Mild forms are treated with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, moisturizers and specific scalp shampoos. When the disease is more extensive or affects high-impact areas, such as the hands, nails or genitals, phototherapy and systemic medications such as methotrexate, acitretin or apremilast come into play. Biologics and other targeted therapies now offer prolonged, safe control of lesions under regular monitoring. When psoriatic arthritis is suspected, follow-up is shared with rheumatology. At each stage, the dermatology team at Femi Saúde weighs the extent of the disease, comorbidities and the patient's preferences to determine the best course of action.

What we offer