Psoriasis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) inflammatory skin condition that affects many adults and children in West Michigan. It is not contagious – you cannot “catch” psoriasis from someone else, and you cannot give it to your family, friends, or coworkers through skin contact.

In Grand Rapids, psoriasis care is commonly provided through primary care offices and dermatology clinics affiliated with major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as independent dermatology practices.

Psoriasis Is Not Contagious

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. This leads to thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. Because it is an immune-mediated condition, it is not an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.

Common Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms can range from very mild to severe and can look different from one person to another. Typical symptoms include:

  • Red, raised, scaly patches (plaques) on the skin
  • Silvery-white scales that flake off
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching, burning, or soreness (though some people have no itch at all)
  • Thickened, pitted, or ridged fingernails or toenails

The most commonly affected areas are:

  • Scalp
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Lower back
  • Around the ears and hairline

However, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, face, and skin folds.

In Grand Rapids, the cold, dry winters and frequent indoor heating can make skin drier and may worsen psoriasis symptoms, so year-round skin care is especially important.

Types of Psoriasis

Several different types of psoriasis can affect Grand Rapids residents:

Plaque Psoriasis (Most Common)

  • Red, raised patches covered with silvery scales
  • Often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back

Pustular Psoriasis

  • Less common, more severe form
  • White, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin
  • Can be painful and may require urgent medical care

Guttate Psoriasis

  • Small, drop-shaped spots on the skin
  • More common in children and young adults
  • Often triggered by a strep throat infection, which is frequently seen in Michigan winters

Napkin Psoriasis (Infant Psoriasis)

  • Occurs in babies, typically between 2–8 months of age
  • Affects the diaper (napkin) area

Flexural (Inverse) Psoriasis

  • Appears in skin folds and genital areas (armpits, under breasts, groin, buttocks)
  • Usually red and smooth rather than scaly

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

For reasons that are not fully understood, psoriasis can also affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. This condition can cause:

  • Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Throbbing or tenderness in one or many joints
  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement
  • Pain in the last joints of the fingers or toes
  • Pain in the lower back (sacrum), wrists, knees, or ankles

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and notice joint pain along with psoriasis, it is important to talk with your doctor or a rheumatologist early. Early diagnosis and treatment at local centers (such as rheumatology clinics within Corewell Health or Metro Health) can help prevent long-term joint damage.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and immune system factors:

  • Family history – Psoriasis often runs in families.
  • Immune system – The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly.

Certain triggers can bring on psoriasis or cause flare-ups, including:

  • Medications, such as:
    • Lithium
    • Beta blockers (used for heart conditions and high blood pressure)
    • Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Certain antimalarial medications
  • Infections – especially strep throat and other respiratory infections, which are common in Michigan’s colder months
  • Skin injury – cuts, scrapes, sunburn, tattoos, or bug bites
  • Smoking – can worsen certain types of psoriasis
  • Stress – emotional stress can trigger or aggravate psoriasis
  • Weather – cold, dry Grand Rapids winters can dry out the skin and make symptoms worse

Psoriasis Treatment Options in Grand Rapids

There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but with proper treatment it can usually be well controlled, allowing people to lead active, comfortable lives.

Doctors in Grand Rapids may prescribe a range of treatments depending on the type and severity of psoriasis, your overall health, and your lifestyle.

Topical Treatments (Applied to the Skin)

  • Corticosteroid creams and ointments
  • Vitamin D analogues (such as calcipotriol)
  • Coal tar preparations
  • Moisturizers and emollients to reduce dryness and scaling

These are often used first for mild to moderate psoriasis and are commonly prescribed by primary care providers and dermatologists throughout West Michigan.

Phototherapy (Ultraviolet Light Therapy)

  • Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in a medical setting
  • Can be used alone or with topical treatments
  • Often provided in dermatology clinics and some hospital-based centers in Grand Rapids

Systemic Medications (Oral or Injected)

For moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may consider:

  • Methotrexate
  • Acitretin
  • Cyclosporine
  • Other oral medications that affect the immune system

These treatments require regular monitoring, which can be done through local health systems like Trinity Health Grand Rapids or Corewell Health.

Biologic Therapies

Biologic drugs have revolutionized psoriasis treatment. They target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

  • Given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion
  • Often used when other treatments have not worked or are not tolerated
  • Can lead to significant clearing of the skin and improvement in joint symptoms

Because biologic therapies are expensive, insurance coverage and prior authorization are usually required. Many Grand Rapids dermatology and rheumatology clinics have staff who help patients navigate insurance approvals and financial assistance programs.

Clinical Trials for Psoriasis in West Michigan

Before a new psoriasis treatment can be approved in the United States, it must go through extensive clinical trials to test safety and effectiveness. These trials are tightly regulated to protect participants.

People with psoriasis in the Grand Rapids area may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials through:

  • Hospital-based research programs (for example, through major systems like Corewell Health or Metro Health)
  • Independent research centers in West Michigan

Benefits of participating in a clinical trial may include:

  • Access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available
  • Close monitoring by a medical team
  • Contributing to improved psoriasis care for future patients

If you are interested in a clinical trial:

  1. Talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist.
  2. Ask if there are any ongoing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis studies in Grand Rapids or nearby cities such as Kalamazoo or Lansing.

Living With Psoriasis in Grand Rapids

Managing psoriasis in Michigan’s changing seasons involves both medical treatment and daily self-care:

  • Use fragrance-free moisturizers, especially in winter when indoor heating dries the air.
  • Consider using a humidifier at home during colder months.
  • Protect your skin from cuts and sunburn.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as recommended by your doctor.
  • Manage stress through exercise, counseling, or relaxation techniques.
  • Stay up to date with vaccinations and routine care through local providers.

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also provide information on local support services, wellness programs, and smoking cessation resources, which may indirectly help improve psoriasis control.

Where to Get Help for Psoriasis in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you may have psoriasis or your current treatment is not working well, seek medical advice. Local options include:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor)
  • Board-certified dermatologists in Grand Rapids
  • Rheumatologists (for suspected psoriatic arthritis)
  • Major health systems:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health

For education and support, you can also look for:

  • Local or online psoriasis support groups
  • National psoriasis organizations that provide up-to-date information, which your Grand Rapids provider can recommend

Key Points About Psoriasis

  • Psoriasis is not contagious.
  • Symptoms include red, scaly patches, flaking, and sometimes itching or burning.
  • The scalp, elbows, and knees are most commonly affected, but psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body.
  • There is no cure, but psoriasis can usually be effectively controlled with treatment.
  • Symptoms and severity vary widely from person to person.
  • Psoriasis can cause joint pain and swelling known as psoriatic arthritis.
  • A variety of treatments are available in Grand Rapids, including topical medications, phototherapy, systemic drugs, and biologic therapies.
  • Clinical trials in West Michigan may offer access to new, advanced treatments.

If you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have concerns about psoriasis, schedule an appointment with a local healthcare provider to discuss diagnosis and personalized treatment options.