Psoriasis: Causes, Treatments, and What Medications Can Help

When your skin starts flaking, itching, and turning red in patches, it’s not just dryness—it’s likely psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too fast and pile up on the surface. Also known as plaque psoriasis, this isn’t contagious, but it can be painful, embarrassing, and deeply frustrating. About 8 million people in the U.S. have it, and for many, it’s not just a skin issue—it affects sleep, mood, and daily life.

What causes psoriasis? It’s not one thing. Genetics play a role—if a parent has it, your risk goes up. But triggers like stress, infections, cold weather, or even certain meds can turn on the flare. Some people get it after a strep throat. Others notice it after starting beta-blockers or lithium. The skin doesn’t heal normally—it overproduces cells in weeks, not months. That’s why creams alone often don’t cut it. For moderate to severe cases, doctors turn to topical steroids, strong anti-inflammatory ointments that calm redness and slow skin cell growth. But long-term use can thin the skin, so they’re usually paired with vitamin D analogs or calcineurin inhibitors. When those fail, biologics, targeted drugs that block specific parts of the immune system driving the inflammation become the go-to. These are injections or infusions, not pills, and they work for many who didn’t respond to anything else. They’re expensive, yes, but for some, they’re life-changing.

What you won’t find in most guides is how much psoriasis overlaps with other conditions. People with psoriasis are more likely to have psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, or depression. That’s why treatment isn’t just about clearing patches—it’s about protecting your whole body. And while there’s no cure, many find long-term control with the right mix of meds, lifestyle tweaks, and avoiding known triggers like smoking or heavy alcohol. The posts below cover real-world experiences with treatments—from the side effects of corticosteroids to how newer drugs like guselkumab or secukinumab actually perform over time. You’ll also find tips on managing flares, what to ask your doctor, and how to spot when a treatment isn’t working anymore. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.