How do I know if my rash is psoriasis?

Psoriasis often causes defined patches of thick, scaly skin. These patches may appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, hands, feet, or nails. Nail psoriasis may cause pitting, thickening, lifting, or discoloration. You should not attempt to self-diagnose. If you come to DeeTox to treat psoriasis in Chapel Hill , Dr. Mendes will examine your rash and ask about your symptoms, family history, triggers, and medications to diagnose your condition. If those still leave an inconclusive diagnosis, she may recommend a biopsy or additional evaluations.

What can make psoriasis flare up?

Psoriasis flares may result from stress, illness, skin injury, medication, weather changes, smoking, or irritation from harsh skincare products. Scratching, picking, or scrubbing plaques can also worsen inflammation. Our team helps you look for patterns, never blaming you for your skin condition. You may need gentler products, prescription support, or changes to habits that irritate the skin. If flares keep returning, Dr. Mendes can adjust your treatment and explain what to watch out for between treatments for psoriasis in Chapel Hill.

How does DeeTox treat psoriasis?

Treatment depends on where psoriasis appears, its severity, and how it affects your daily life. Dr. Mendes may recommend prescription creams, ointments, scalp treatments, moisturizers, itch-control strategies, or systematic medications. If your psoriasis affects large areas or does not respond to topical care, our team will discuss additional treatment options or make a referral, if necessary. When you come to our clinic to treat psoriasis in Chapel Hill , Dr. Mendes helps you understand the root cause of the condition and provides personalized recommendations to help control your flares.

Can psoriasis affect more than my skin?

Yes. Psoriasis can affect the nails, and it may cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and be associated with psoriatic arthritis. Tell Dr. Mendes if your symptoms extend beyond your skin. She can evaluate your side effects and help determine the benefits of additional medical care. You should also tell Dr. Mendes if you’re experiencing fatigue, abnormally frequent flares, or pain that limits normal activity. The right evaluation and diagnosis can give you a clearer path forward.

Is psoriasis curable?

Psoriasis is usually a long-term condition. Some people go through long periods with no symptoms, while others experience flares more often. Either way, treatment can provide noticeable relief. The right regimen may reduce plaque development, ease itching, minimize scaling, and make the effects easier to manage. Dr. Mendes can explain possible short-term improvements and long-term management strategies. You may need to visit down the road for additional monitoring, to adjust your medication, or to perform ongoing maintenance and keep symptoms under control.

Benefits

Length of Office Visit

10 minutes
Downtime

None
Recovery Time

None
Initial Results Seen In

Varies
Results Duration

Varies

Psoriasis in Chapel Hill

Psoriasis Treatment

Treatment Planning Tool

Care for Recurring Flares

Psoriasis can cause recurring scaly patches that itch, crack, or sting the skin.

At DeeTox, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jocelyn Mendes, MD, FAAD, examines your concerns and helps determine whether your symptoms stem from psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, or another condition.

What It Treats:

Plaque psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis
Nail psoriasis
Itchy plaque
Scaling patches
Cracked skin
Recurring flares
Psoriasis-related irritation

Progress Takes Time

Take a look at our before & after photos to see how the right treatment can improve your skin.

View Before & After Gallery

Personalized Psoriasis Care

Your treatment should address your unique psoriasis concerns to minimize their effects on your daily life.

Confirm the Cause

Dr. Mendes discusses your skincare routine, medical history, and symptoms before recommending a personalized psoriasis treatment.

Control Flares

Treatment may involve prescription topical or systemic medications, scalp care products, and additional dermatology support for more persistent symptoms.

Monitor Your Condition

Dr. Mendes helps you identify triggers that may worsen symptoms and signs that suggest the need for follow-up care.

Care That’s More Than Skin-Deep

When you come to our clinic for psoriasis care, Dr. Mendes will examine your skin and build a personalized treatment plan or recommend further evaluation based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.