Psoriasis

Psoriasis is very common. Anyone can get it, but it most commonly begins between ages 15 and 35. You cannot catch psoriasis or spread it to others.

Psoriasis seems to be passed down through families. Doctors think it may be an autoimmune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. Usually, skin cells grow deep in the skin and rise to the surface about once a month. When you have psoriasis, this process takes place too fast. Dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface.

The following may trigger an attack of psoriasis or make the condition harder to treat:

Bacteria or viral infections, including strep throat and upper respiratory infections
Dry air or dry skin Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
Some medicines, including anti-malaria drugs, beta-blockers, and lithium
Stress
Too little sunlight
Too much sunlight (sunburn)
Too much alcohol

Symptoms

Psoriasis can appear suddenly or slowly. Many times, it goes away and then comes back. The main symptom of the condition is irritated, red, flaky patches of skin. Patches are most often seen on the elbows, knees, and middle of the body, but can appear anywhere including the scalp.

The skin may be:

Itchy
Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
Raised and thick

Other symptoms may include:

Joint pain or aching
Nail changes, including thick nails, yellow-brown nails, dents in the nail, and nail lifts off from the skin underneath
Severe dandruff on the scalp

Reference - http://www.nih.gov

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Reviews from our Patients

I can not say enough about Dr. Chad Thomas and his two nurses, April and Rachel. There were caring, compassionate, professional and personable. They treated my mother in the Mohs Surgery area and made sure that all her questions were answered and everything was explained. They were even apologetic for the length of the treatment which was far and away a more swifter and pleasant experience than most doctors visit. I cannot recommend Dermatology and Associates enough.
— L.L.

Everything from start to finish was just great! Quick check in and check out. They have a welcoming and pleasant staff in both Dermatology and Cosmetology departments! Dr. Ramsauer was prompt and very thorough as was PA Sarah. I was made to feel very comfortable during the examination. She froze something off my back; I'm so glad that she is cautious after losing a family member from melanoma.
— D.W.

Today I was a patient at Dermatology Associates in Kingsport, TN. I want to THANK AND BRAG on Dr. Chad J. Thomas and his three Nurses. They ALL are very caring and professional. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of their patients. Dr. Thomas's Nurses assisted him each time. Rachel assisted him in the final stitching and was amazing explaining everything. They ALL were! My husband and I were amazed with them and thank them for what they do for their patients. We HIGHLY recommend them!
— R.W.

Great visit as I hadn't been there since 2019, for I'd had no recent reasons to go. Just wanted to do an overall skin check, since I'm 70 and can't see well, nor see areas of ears, back and back of arms and such. Really nice nurse and doctor, and I highly recommend them. All is well.
— R.D.

I came in to let the Dermatologist look at a couple of spots that I have on my scalp. Everyone was very good to me during my visit. The nurse and nurse practitioner were extremely comforting and gave me great information. Luckily the spots were nothing that I should be worried about!
— C.E .

Latest News

Dermatology Associates welcomes Dr. Paige Winter

Dermatology Associates is pleased to announce that Dr. Paige Winter joined our practice August 1, 2024.

Meet Paige Winter, M.D.

Dermatology Associates welcomes Dr. Lauren Tisdale

Dermatology Associates is pleased to announce that Dr. Lauren Tisdale joined our practice in October, 2024.

Meet Lauren Tisdale, M.D.

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We encourage you to read and download the Fall 2024 Newsletter from Dermatology Associates of the Tricities and learn about our ongoing efforts to enhance Patient care.

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Staff Picks

Amy Burton, LE
Kingsport, TN Cosmetic Center

Amy's Staff Pick is SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF because "it helps with the texture and tone of her skin while protecting it."

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Articles

Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Erin Reid featured in Tri-Cities Medical News

Health and Wellness Magazine

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Dermatology Associates advances the science of skin cancer research by donating funds to the Skin Cancer Foundation . We want our patients to know that we understand the burden of skin cancer and want to offer both excellent treatment now and look forward to scientific advances in the future.