Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated condition where the body's immune system mistakenly accelerates skin cell turnover. Instead of taking weeks, skin cells pile up on the surface in a matter of days, creating thick, scaly plaques. While there is currently no permanent cure, Dr. Melissa L.F. Knuckles utilizes advanced medical therapies to effectively control the disease, clear your skin fields, and keep flare-ups in long-term remission.

Because excellence in dermatology is derived from education and experience, our practice offers a full spectrum of medical-grade treatments. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Knuckles designs a personalized clinical plan that may include powerful topical corticosteroids, specialized vitamin D analogues, oral systemic medications, or advanced biologic therapies designed to target specific pathways in the immune system.

Psoriasis is absolutely not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. However, because it is an underlying systemic condition, plaques can naturally appear on multiple areas of your own body, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. We focus on thorough clinical examinations to map out all affected areas and treat your skin safely and cleanly.

Psoriasis is more than just a surface skin condition; the underlying inflammation can impact your total health. Uncontrolled psoriasis increases the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful joint swelling and structural damage. By completing a thorough total-health evaluation and managing the inflammation early, our team protects both your skin and your joints to bring about a physically and mentally positive change.