When the life cycle of skin cells changes, these cells may build up quickly and become a condition known as psoriasis. Dr. Leon Brown, private practice dermatologist in Takoma Park, Maryland, can help you understand the cycle of psoriasis and develop a skin care plan to assist you in the management of this common but incurable condition.
Though thought to be an immune system problem, the precise cause of psoriasis is unknown. A certain type of white blood cell starts attacking healthy skin cells at the site of a psoriasis outbreak, called a plaque. This attack starts a cycle of accelerated new skin growth before the old skin has a chance to break down naturally. Symptoms vary among patients, but generally include one or more of the following conditions:
The size of a psoriasis outbreak may vary greatly. In fact, there are several types of psoriasis besides the most common plaque psoriasis.
As with plaque psoriasis, each type typically goes through a cycle, flaring up and then subsiding. Other types of psoriasis include:
There are many potential treatments for psoriasis, though these treat the symptoms rather than cure the disease. Treatments break down into three general types.
Topical treatments
Light therapy
Other medications
Dr. Brown accepts most insurances. Please contact the office for further insurance information.
"Dr. Brown himself is a great doctor and very thorough."
"Easy to make appointments. I called all over to find a dermatologist who could actually schedule me in within the same month. He was one of the few."
"Dr. Brown was the only Doctor able to prescribe the proper medications, to correct the skin condition of tinea versicolor. He was very knowledgeable..."
"Dr. Brown was punctual, helpful, and knowledgable of my skin lesions, and after seeing several dermatologists, he was the ONLY doctor that was able to diagnose me..."
