How a Dermatologist Treats Her Own Psoriasis
Key takeaways:
Anna Chacon, a dermatologist, discovered she had psoriasis when she noticed a small red patch near her elbow that grew larger and became itchy.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes red, itchy patches of skin and can appear anywhere on the body.
Anna manages her psoriasis with prescribed medications, moisturizers, oatmeal baths, over-the-counter treatments, sunlight exposure (in moderation), dietary supplements, and turmeric.
Anna Chacon is a dermatologist by trade. But she still didn’t know what was happening 6 months ago when she noticed a small red patch near her elbow covered in silvery scales. Over the course of a few weeks, it grew larger and became extremely itchy, especially at night. Then it spread.
“It began to affect other parts of my body, too, including my knees, scalp, and lower back,” says Anna, who is 37 and lives in Miami. “All of these patches were itchy, flaky, and scaly — just like the first one on my elbow.”
Anna was familiar with skin issues. For years, she’s had persistent acne that proved difficult to treat. But this was something new. After visiting a dermatologist, Anna had a diagnosis: psoriasis, a chronic disease that manifests as red, itchy patches of skin.
Some factors increase your risk of having psoriasis
Scientists say a combination of genetic and environmental factors cause psoriasis. It can appear anywhere on the body but is most frequently seen on elbows, knees, the scalp, and the lower back.
“For me, the locations of flare-ups can vary, but I usually see them consistently in the same areas,” Anna says.
About 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is more common in adults than children and affects men and women equally. Psoriasis is not contagious.
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Trying corticosteroid creams, vitamin D, and light therapy
At first, Anna's skin doctor prescribed a topical corticosteroid cream to help with swelling and itching. When her condition didn’t improve after a few weeks, the doctor suggested a vitamin D cream.
Anna’s doctor also recommended that Anna get light therapy treatments twice a week. Treatments expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends this treatment, known as phototherapy, which is available at a healthcare provider's office, a clinic, or at home using a phototherapy machine. The key to success is consistency, the organization says.
What a dermatologist keeps on hand to treat her own psoriasis
Psoriasis treatments can vary from person to person. Anna says the things she keeps on hand for her own care are meant to supplement — not replace — prescribed medications.
“It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with psoriasis is unique,” she says.
Here are some things she considers essential.
1. Moisturizers
Anna always has moisturizers available, including ones with aloe vera. Keeping skin well moisturized can help reduce dryness, itching, and scaling. To avoid skin irritants, Anna suggests using products without fragrance or dye.
2. Oatmeal baths
Anna adds colloidal oatmeal to warm baths and says soaking in it eases her discomfort. Adding the rolled oats or instant oatmeal you eat for breakfast to the bath will not have the same effect. Colloidal oatmeal is processed differently and more finely ground.
3. Over-the-counter treatments
When Anna buys psoriasis products at the drugstore, she looks for ones containing ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, and corticosteroids. Salicylic acid, also known as beta-hydroxy acid, can soften and clear flaky skin. Coal tar, which is derived from coal, is an inexpensive treatment dermatologists have been prescribing for decades to treat plaque-type psoriasis. And corticosteroids reduce inflammation.
4. Sunlight
Some people find that moderate exposure to sunlight can improve their symptoms. But, Anna stresses, “It’s important to avoid sunburn as this can potentially trigger a flare-up.”
5. Dietary supplements
Anna says supplements that contain fish oil, vitamin D, or milk thistle are useful. She says adding these things to her diet can make managing psoriasis symptoms more manageable.
6. Turmeric
The spice has anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to food or taken as a supplement.
Her own skin struggles led her to her profession
Anna says her own skin care issues helped her find her calling in dermatology.
“My own journey sparked my interest in helping others navigate their skin health, ultimately leading me to become a doctor,” Anna says. She connects with others who have psoriasis on the social network mypsoriasisteam.com.
“I believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.”
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