More information about Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that is sometimes mistaken for common types of dermatitis. Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal (up to 10x). Thanks to the increased cell growth, skin build-up becomes irritated, creating bumpy, red patches on the skin. 

Psoriasis scales that are itchy and uncomfortable can present anywhere on the body but typically appear on the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees. 

The symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Itchy skin
• Dry or cracked skin
• Dry or scaly scalp
• Painful skin
• Weak and cracked nails
• Joint pain
  

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder with no cure, but with the help of the Skincredible team, many patients can effectively alleviate the harsher and more painful symptoms of psoriasis. 

Our expert team at Skincredible Dermatology can help you diagnose and find the right treatment for your psoriasis. We will determine the best course of action based on the severity of your skin disorder as well as other factors such as age and overall health. 

Skin Psoriasis Treatment

The type and severity of your psoriasis, as well as the region of skin affected, determine the therapies you'll receive. Our providers will recommend the appropriate treatment depending on the severity of your psoriasis. More mild disease is often treated with topical therapies whereas moderate to severe disease can be treated with systemic prescriptions. It is crucial that you visit with one of our providers to discover the best treatment for you or if you believe therapy isn't working and your skin condition is not improving.

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Topical Treatment

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used to treat mild psoriasis to moderate psoriasis because they reduce inflammation without causing unwanted side effects. Corticosteroids are available in various formulations, including creams, ointments, lotions, gels, solutions, foams, and shampoos.

For sensitive regions, such as the face or skin folds, and for treating wide areas, our providers use mild corticosteroid ointments. For treating thick, extensive lesions or areas where topical corticosteroids are less effective, we use strong formulations of corticosteroids.

Vitamin D Analogue Creams

Vitamin D analogue creams are another one of the treatment options for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are often used in combination with other psoriasis treatments, like corticosteroids, to make them more effective. Vitamin D analogues are applied directly to the affected area, where they bind with Vitamin D receptors in the skin cells. This slows down rapid skin cell production, reduces skin irritation, and decreases the buildup that triggers itchy and scaly patches.

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Oral or Injected Medications

Oral or injected medications might be prescribed by a Skincredible provider to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Some of these medications are used for only a few weeks at a time. They are especially important if you have systemic symptoms like psoriatic arthritis. These medications include immunotherapies, retinoids and biologics.

Our provider will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and health condition to determine which type of psoriasis you have and which medications are right for you. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, but variations include scalp psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Here are some of the medicines used to treat psoriasis:

Biologics

Biologics are medicines that target the specific parts of the immune system that is overactive in psoriasis. This treatment option is administered via injection or IV infusion so it bypasses the stomach, where acids would eat up the protein in the drugs and stop them from working.

The living cells in biologic medication block the action of a specific type of immune cell called a T-cell or they block certain proteins in the immune system that play a major role in developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They can stop the pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. Biologics are newer, stronger drugs with fewer side effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Steroids

Due to rebound and side effects steroids are not used to treat psoriasis.

Steroids are a type of anti-inflammatory drug that can be injected into the skin or taken by mouth. They help to reduce the inflammation and itching associated with psoriasis. The problem with steroid therapy is that it can create a life threatening rebound of psoriasis and that is why they are not used.

Retinoids

Due to the side effects of retinoids they are not readily used to treat psoriasis anymore. Retinoids are medications that improve skin turnover and are quite effective in the treatment of psoriasis. It also aids in the prevention of shedding, skin thickening, redness, puffiness, scaling, and inflammation as typical symptoms of psoriasis. Many individuals find that a 3-month schedule is sufficient for complete relief. Patients generally respond well to retinoids, however, pregnant women are excluded from this therapy.

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Considerations for Treatment

We customize our treatment approach at Skincredible Dermatology based on your unique needs and the type and intensity of your psoriasis. Treatment might include a variety of topical treatments, phototherapy, systemic therapies, and biologic drugs that are utilized in treating psoriasis.

Generally, we use topical ointments and laser therapy as our first line of treatment for most patients. However, if your condition doesn't improve with the mildest therapies, we would move on to more powerful treatments.