Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic: Psoriasis Treatment—There Is a Reason Why Skin That Gets Worse the More You Scratch Keeps Recurring

Psoriasis Treatment at a Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic

If thick, white scales repeatedly build up on areas such as the elbows, knees, or scalp, with the skin underneath becoming red and inflamed, psoriasis should be considered. Psoriasis patients I meet in the consultation room often say, “No matter how much moisturizer I apply, the scaling keeps coming back,” or, “I know I shouldn’t scratch, but it’s so itchy that I can’t stand it.”

Psoriasis is different from simple dry skin or eczema. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by an abnormal immune response, in which skin cells multiply abnormally quickly. The normal skin-cell turnover cycle is about 28 days, but in skin affected by psoriasis, this cycle accelerates dramatically to 3–5 days. As a result, immature cells accumulate on the surface and form thick masses of scale. Today, I’ll explain in detail why psoriasis develops and how to approach psoriasis treatment.

Psoriasis Is a Chronic Skin Disease Caused by an Abnormal Immune Response

Psoriasis Treatment at a Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic

Psoriasis is not caused by dirty skin or poor skin care. It is a type of autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack normal skin cells, causing repeated inflammatory reactions. Genetic factors play a major role, while factors such as stress, lack of sleep, infections, and certain medications can act as triggers that worsen symptoms. Psoriasis mainly appears on areas exposed to frequent irritation, such as the elbows and knees, but it can also spread to the scalp, fingernails and toenails, and the entire trunk.

Although psoriasis is a chronic disease that is difficult to cure completely, consistent treatment and management can sufficiently control the symptoms and help maintain a state without discomfort in daily life. If it is left untreated because the symptoms seem mild, the affected area may gradually expand and treatment may become more difficult, so it is important to visit a dermatology clinic early.

Topical and Oral Medications Help Suppress Inflammation and Excessive Cell Growth

Psoriasis Treatment at a Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic

Medication is the foundation of psoriasis treatment. When symptoms are mild or affect a limited area, topical medications containing corticosteroids or vitamin D derivatives are prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress excessive skin-cell growth. If thickly accumulated scales interfere with medication absorption, a keratolytic is used first to soften the layers of scale, followed by application of the treatment medication.

When the affected area is extensive or symptoms are severe, oral medication may also be used. Oral medications that regulate the immune response or retinoid medications may be prescribed after considering the condition of the skin together with the patient’s overall health. Rather than stopping medication arbitrarily once symptoms improve, treatment should be adjusted gradually in consultation with a specialist. This is key to reducing recurrence.

Clariti Pro Helps Reduce Inflammation in Psoriatic Areas

Psoriasis Treatment at a Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic

Alongside medication, there are device-based treatments that may enhance the effects of psoriasis treatment. Clariti Pro uses a 1064 nm wavelength laser to help reduce inflammation in psoriatic lesions and regulate the immune response. It is used by selectively delivering energy to areas that have become red and thickened due to psoriasis, with the aim of reducing inflammatory reactions and stabilizing the condition of the skin.

In addition, combining LDM can help stabilize the skin-tissue environment made sensitive by psoriasis and support skin-barrier recovery, helping the treatment effects last longer. Because LDM involves little heat stimulation, it can be applied comfortably even to skin already irritated by psoriasis. A combined approach involving medication and device-based treatment can therefore be much more effective for psoriasis management.

Lifestyle Management and Consistent Treatment Are Both Necessary for Psoriasis

Psoriasis Treatment at a Sadang-dong Dermatology Clinic

Lifestyle management is as important as medication in psoriasis treatment. Stress is one of the most common factors that worsen psoriasis, so getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular daily rhythm are the basics of psoriasis management. When the skin is dry, itching can become more severe, and scratching can cause the lesions to spread. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin moisturized by consistently applying a gentle moisturizer.

When bathing or showering, avoid hot water and vigorous scrubbing, and finish gently with lukewarm water. Alcohol consumption is one of the factors that can worsen psoriasis, so it is best to reduce it if possible. Since the goal with psoriasis is to control symptoms through consistent management rather than complete cure, the most important habit for preventing recurrence is not stopping treatment just because the condition has improved and visiting a dermatology clinic regularly for checkups.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that can be difficult to manage alone, but by combining consistent psoriasis treatment with appropriate lifestyle management, symptoms can be sufficiently controlled and a comfortable daily life maintained. If you have been struggling with scaling and itching for a long time, do not continue to endure it alone. Work with a dermatology specialist to find a treatment plan suited to your skin’s condition. I will carefully support you in regaining healthy, comfortable skin.