My Blog - Rogers , AR Dermatologist

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that results in skin plaques, which are sore, itchy patches of dry, red, and thickened skin. Although you can get these plaques anywhere on your body, they typically develop on the face, elbows, scalp, knees, feet, back, and palms. Like other kinds of auto-inflammatory conditions, psoriasis occurs when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells instead of infectious cells. If you find yourself struggling with this problem, reach out to Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR. Dr. Cheryl Hull is available to help.
Psoriasis Can’t Be Cured, But It Can Be Managed
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis isn’t curable, and there’s currently no one-size-fits-all solution for it. The good news, however, is that there are ways to keep your symptoms under control. With help from your dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull, here at Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, you can find the right combination of psoriasis treatments to manage your condition.
Your Psoriasis Treatment Options
Essentially, the main goal of any psoriasis treatment plan is to decrease inflammation that leads to the formation of plaques and prevent the faster-than-normal growth of skin cells. Depending on your particular symptoms and the severity of your condition, your treatment plan may include a combination of the following:
Medications
OTC and Prescription Topical Drugs: These must be directly applied to your skin to reduce psoriasis symptoms. They contain various active ingredients and are available in different preparations such as ointments, creams, lotions, sprays, gels, and shampoos.
Biologics: These drugs can help modify your immune system’s response to psoriasis triggers and are typically injected.
Apremilast: This pill functions by quelling a specific enzyme responsible for triggering inflammation.
Methotrexate: This aids in controlling inflammation.
Cyclosporine: This is an immunosuppressant that should only be taken for a short time.
Light Therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy entails exposing the skin to artificial or natural UV light to help minimize psoriasis symptoms. Done consistently, the ultraviolet or UV light will help slow down skin cell growth or turnover. Because of this action, it also helps decrease inflammation signals directly related to psoriasis flares. Your dermatologist in Rogers, AR, may recommend this treatment along with suitable medicines.
Psoriasis is a hereditary skin condition that is associated with periodic flare-ups in which the skin develops either red patches or white flaky scales. While there is no cure for psoriasis, several treatments are available for managing the symptoms. Some patients even experience completely clear skin as a result of treatment. Here at Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, our experienced dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull, can discuss treatment options with you.
Psoriasis Types and Symptoms
Psoriasis is a genetic condition in which the immune system prompts the body to grow new skin cells too quickly before shedding old ones. This overproduction results in the skin cells piling up on the surface of the skin, leading to the development of patches and scales.
Psoriasis can affect both children and adults. For most patients with psoriasis, the condition tends to flare-up for the first time between 15 and 35 years old. Since the condition is chronic, symptoms will continue to recur throughout life following the first flare-up. There are five distinct types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. The five types of psoriasis include:
Erythrodermic
Guttate
Inverse
Plaque
Pustular
Several symptoms can be experienced during a flare-up of psoriasis. Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
Itchiness
Red patches
White, flaky scales
Nails develop pits, crumble, or fall off
Patches forming on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but the symptoms associated with a flare-up can be significantly reduced through treatment. We offer several options for treating psoriasis at our center in Rogers, AR. The specific method that is best for you could depend on several factors, such as the severity and type of psoriasis. Examples of psoriasis treatments include:
Oral medications
Topical medications
Phototherapy (also called light therapy)
Biologics to suppress the immune system
Psoriasis can cause physical discomfort, as well as contribute to feeling self-conscious about your skin. The good news is there are many effective treatments that can help. Contact our office in Rogers to learn more about psoriasis treatment options. To speak with Dr. Hull or another member of our dermatology staff about managing your psoriasis, call Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center at (479) 876-8205.
Our clinical research programs could help you find a more effective acne solution.
Acne is one of the most common skin problems that is treated by our Rogers, AR, dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull. Although often associated with teenagers, pervasive acne also has the ability to impact children and adults, as well. Fortunately, no matter your age or the type of acne that you’re dealing with, we have the ability to help—read on to learn how.
How do I know that I have acne?
While this may seem like a silly question, it really isn’t. After all, there are other dermatological conditions that can also produce red bumps such as rosacea and psoriasis. Therefore, if this is the first time dealing with severe acne and you’ve never been properly diagnosed before, then now is the time to turn to our Rogers, AR, skin doctor to find out if acne is truly what you’re dealing with.
What are the different kinds of acne?
Acne comes in many different forms, from whiteheads and blackheads to deep, painful nodules; however, acne is also placed into two categories, inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne includes the standard whiteheads and blackheads that most people deal with at some point during their lifetime, while inflammatory acne consists of severe, deep cysts that are typically quite painful and don’t respond well to standard over-the-counter acne treatments.
What if I have inflammatory acne?
No matter what kind of acne you’re dealing with, our dermatological team understands that treating the problem isn’t always simple. What treatment might work well for one patient may not work well for someone else. A lot has to do with the cause of your acne.
For example, teenage girls who experience breakouts around their menstrual cycles may experience clearer skin with the help of birth control pills, while other patients who are dealing with severe cystic acne may only find relief through stronger medications such as isotretinoin (known on the market as Accutane).
How can Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center help?
Along with running Hull Dermatology, Dr. Hull is also the medical director of our clinical trials center in Rogers, AR. Here, our team is focused on addressing some of the biggest skin problems today, including severe acne and psoriasis. These clinical trials can provide you with emerging medications and therapies that could finally help you achieve clearer skin. If you want to learn if you are eligible to participate in our acne study, then fill out our clinical trials interest form to get started.
Call us
Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, offers acne and psoriasis clinical research studies to test out investigational topical medications to manage these common skin conditions. To learn more about these clinical research studies on acne and psoriasis, or to find out if you’re a good participant, call our office today at (479) 876-8205.
Are you suffering from a red rash that won't go away? They can also be a chronic condition known as rosacea. Fortunately, your dermatologist can help—Dr. Cheryl A. Hull of Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, can help with rosacea and other skin conditions.
These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about rosacea:
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a bright red rash that covers your face. It can cover your nose, cheeks, and forehead and can resemble acne, with small blemishes.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
In addition to a red rash, your skin might feel painful and hot. The center of your face might be chronically red, with swollen bumps that can contain pus. The skin on your nose might look enlarged and thickened. Your eyes might be irritated and dry.
What are some of the factors that increase risk of developing rosacea?
You are at a higher risk of rosacea if you are a woman, have fair skin, and are over 30 years old. Having a family history of rosacea and smoking also increases your risk of rosacea.
What can bring on a rosacea rash?
There are several things that can trigger a breakout of rosacea. Eating spicy, hot foods, drinking hot beverages, and drinking alcohol can aggravate rosacea. The environment, including extremes in temperature, excessive sunlight, or wind can also bring on rosacea. If you exercise, increased activity can also cause a rosacea breakout.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around 8 million Americans according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. It doesn’t have a cure, but it can be managed and treated with the help of your dermatologist. If you believe that you might have psoriasis, there are a number of symptoms to look out for that you should discuss with your skin doctor. Thankfully, there are also therapies you can try when you visit us here at Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an ailment of the skin that is caused by the skin cells regenerating in an overly rapid fashion. Consequently, the cells grow above the normal surface of the skin and become red, scaly, and itchy. This is a skin problem that is classified as chronic, meaning that it comes and goes. There’s no clear reason why, but it could be related to stress, diet (such as a lack of Vitamin D), medications, drug/alcohol abuse, or infections. It may also be related to an immune system deficiency or disorder. Given the vast pool of possible causes, it’s important to consult your Rogers, AR, dermatologist about your lifestyle and habits to get an idea of what could be triggering your psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis Symptoms
You probably look at your skin regularly throughout the day, which is why it’s easy to notice the development of a psoriasis rash. These are some of the symptoms to look for:
- Redness of the skin.
- Thick scales and patches.
- Dryness, itchiness, and a burning or sore sensation.
- Joint stiffening.
- The nails may thicken and become discolored in the case of nail psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatments
Getting treatment at the onset of psoriasis symptoms is best. The options your skin doctor will discuss include:
Get Help with Psoriasis
The sooner you seek help from your dermatologist with symptoms of psoriasis, the better you can manage this common skin condition in the present and future. Call (479) 876-8205 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cheryl Hull at Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.
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