What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy, red, scaly patches to appear, most commonly on the trunk, elbows, knees, and scalp. It is a chronic disease that tends to flare during periods, then subside for a while. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are a wide range of effective treatments available to help manage and lessen symptoms.

Common psoriasis symptoms include:

  • Red areas to brown-purplish areas of skin covered with silvery scales, .
  • Brown-purplish skin covered with silvery scales in deeper skin tones
  • Dry or cracked skin that may bleed once picked or scratched.
  • Itchiness, soreness, or burning.
  • Thickened nails.
  • Stiff or swollen joints.

There are several types of psoriasis that may occur. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, which causes dry, red patches of skin that are covered with silvery scales. Other types include nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and more.  The best way to live with psoriasis is to optimize the management of it, including avoidance of triggers and use of best available therapy.  Assessment and treatment at DermAtelier on Avenue will provide you with the means to understand and conquer your condition.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

There is a wide selection of psoriasis treatment options that aim to stop skin cells from growing quickly. These options include:

Topical Treatments

The most commonly used topical treatment to treat mild to moderate psoriasis is corticosteroids. They are available in many forms, including ointments, lotions, creams, gels, shampoos, and sprays. Other topical treatment options include retinoid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, and vitamin D analogues.

Light Therapy

Light therapy or “phototherapy” is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis and can be used alone combined with other medications. This treatment involves exposing the targeted skin to controlled amounts of artificial or natural light. These light options are offered at highly-specified doses of UVB broadband or UVB narrowband light.  This therapy is not available at DermAtelier on Avenue but is found at some hospitals and private offices. 

Oral or Injectable Medications

For those with moderate to severe psoriasis who have not seen results with other treatments, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed. These may include an injection of steroids into the lesions, retinoid pills, or biologic drugs which are injected to alter the immune system, improving symptoms.

  • Adalimumab (Humira) 
  • Apremilast (Otezla)
  • Brodalumab (Siliq)  
  • Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
  • Etanercept (Enbrel)   
  • Guselkumab (Tremfya)  
  • Infliximab (Remicade)
  • Ixekizumab (Taltz)  
  • Risankizumab (Skyrizi)  
  • Secukinumab (Cosentyx)  
  • Ustekinumab (Stelara)

  Dr. Beach will choose your treatment to best control your symptoms, with consideration of the severity and type of psoriasis. She will work with you to determine which treatment option you are most comfortable with and is best for your lifestyle for the best possible results.  

Who is a Good Candidate for Psoriasis Treatment?

If your psoriasis is causing you discomfort, pain, or self-consciousness, making daily life difficult, you can benefit from psoriasis treatment.

What to Expect After Psoriasis Treatment?

Following regular use of psoriasis treatment, most patients see an improvement in their plaques and symptoms by 3-months’ time. Many notices longer periods of remission, and in some cases, less joint pain, making day-to-day life more comfortable and enjoyable.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about psoriasis treatment options, contact DermAtelier on Avenue today to find out how to obtain an appointment.  Make your first step toward treatment and clearer, happier skin under your own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put steroid cream on psoriasis?

Yes, steroid cream can be used on psoriasis plaques.

Can psoriasis kill you?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but it does not cause death.

Can you catch psoriasis sexually?

No, you cannot catch psoriasis sexually.

Can you get psoriasis on your private parts?

Yes, psoriasis can get on private parts and genitals.

Does psoriasis worsen with age?

Yes, for some peoples, psoriasis can worsen with age or it can even start in older adults.

How fast does psoriasis spread?

Psoriasis can develop and spread over weeks to months to years, each case is different.

How is inverse psoriasis diagnosed?

Inverse psoriasis is diagnosed by a visual clinical exam with a dermatologist.

Is psoriasis a fungal infection?

No, psoriasis is not a fungal infection.

Is Psoriasis caused by stress?

Psoriasis can be worsened with emotional or physical stress.

What are the 5 types of psoriasis?

The types of psoriasis include: plaque, inverse, nail, full body/ erythroderma, palmoplantar, guttate.

What are the first signs of psoriasis?

The first sign may be itch, or redness that does not go away by using moisturizer.

What are the worst foods for psoriasis?

Psoriasis can worsen with alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking.

What foods trigger psoriasis flare ups?

Psoriasis flareups can be triggered by alcohol consumption.

What happens if psoriasis goes untreated?

If psoriasis goes untreated, it may expand or thicken.

What is the best biologic for psoriasis?

There is no best biologic, but several of them are helpful in stopping psoriasis from occurring including: risankizumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, brodalumab, adalimumab, infliximab and others.

What is the difference between psoriasis and plaque psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasis that shows as discrete plaques on the torso, arms, legs.

What is the main cause of psoriasis?

The main cause of psoriasis is genetic in nature.

What is the new pill for psoriasis?

There are several new treatments for psoriasis - some pill treatments include apremilast (Otezla).

What is the safest psoriasis medication?

Several of the psoriasis medications have minimal side-effects or long-term effects. They are

Why does psoriasis itch?

It itches because the skin is inflamed.

What organs can be affected by psoriasis?

Internal organs are not generally affected by psoriasis, but patients with psoriasis may be obese or have diabetes.

What oil is best for psoriasis?

Oil is not considered a main treatment of psoriasis, but can be found in the base of various products that are effective treatments for psoriasis.

What kind of doctor can diagnose psoriasis?

A dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis. Family doctors also diagnose psoriasis.

What is the strongest steroid cream for psoriasis?

The strongest or most potent steroid creams are clobetasol or halobetasol or betamethasone diproprionate.

What is the difference between dermatitis and psoriasis?

Dermatitis is another way to say eczema; it occurs in infants through adults and tends to be worse with exposure to certain irritants and is more likely to occur on the face. Psoriasis generally begins later in life and tends to be better in summer months.

What is the best treatment for psoriasis?

Biologic treatments usually provide the best results for psoriasis improvement.

What is the best over the counter psoriasis treatment?

Sometimes over the counter treatments that contain zinc can help decrease psoriasis.

Is psoriasis bacterial or viral?

It is neither; it is not an infection.

What autoimmune disease causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is its own disease; it is not caused by autoimmune disease

What can be mistaken for psoriasis?

Eczema or fungal infections can be mistaken for psoriasis.

What does nail psoriasis look like?

Nails psoriasis may show pits or grooves or thickening or yellowing.

What does psoriasis look like on your face?

It can show up as red patches or scaly areas especially along the hairline or near eyebrows.

Can you spread psoriasis by touching it?

No, you cannot spread psoriasis by touching it.

Do I have eczema or psoriasis?

See your doctor or a dermatologist to obtain a diagnosis of eczema or psoriasis.

Does hydrocortisone treat psoriasis?

Hydrocortisone can help treat psoriasis, but it is generally not the main type of topical treatment used.

Does psoriasis make tired?

If psoriasis is flaring or spreading to the full body erythrodermic psoriasis, it can make you feel tired.

Is psoriasis a symptom of lupus?

No, psoriasis is not a symptom of lupus.

Is Psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

Psoriasis is considered an inflammatory disease, but not a true autoimmune disease.

Is Psoriasis an STD?

No, psoriasis is not an STD (sexually transmitted disease).

What is the best over the counter medicine for psoriasis?

Sometimes therapies that contain zinc may be helpful.

Can I put steroid cream on psoriasis?

Yes, steroid cream can be used on psoriasis plaques.

Can psoriasis kill you?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but it does not cause death.

Can you catch psoriasis sexually?

No, you cannot catch psoriasis sexually.

Can you get psoriasis on your private parts?

Yes, psoriasis can get on private parts and genitals.

Can you spread psoriasis by touching it?

No, you cannot spread psoriasis by touching it.

Do I have eczema or psoriasis?

See your doctor or a dermatologist to obtain a diagnosis of eczema or psoriasis.

Does hydrocortisone treat psoriasis?

Hydrocortisone can help treat psoriasis, but it is generally not the main type of topical treatment used.

Does psoriasis make tired?

If psoriasis is flaring or spreading to the full body erythrodermic psoriasis, it can make you feel tired.

Does psoriasis worsen with age?

Yes, for some peoples, psoriasis can worsen with age or it can even start in older adults.

How fast does psoriasis spread?

Psoriasis can develop and spread over weeks to months to years, each case is different.

How is inverse psoriasis diagnosed?

Inverse psoriasis is diagnosed by a visual clinical exam with a dermatologist.

Is psoriasis a fungal infection?

No, psoriasis is not a fungal infection.

Is psoriasis a symptom of lupus?

No, psoriasis is not a symptom of lupus.

Is Psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

Psoriasis is considered an inflammatory disease, but not a true autoimmune disease.

Is Psoriasis an STD?

No, psoriasis is not an STD (sexually transmitted disease).

Is Psoriasis caused by stress?

Psoriasis can be worsened with emotional or physical stress.

What are the 5 types of psoriasis?

The types of psoriasis include: plaque, inverse, nail, full body/ erythroderma, palmoplantar, guttate.

What are the first signs of psoriasis?

The first sign may be itch, or redness that does not go away by using moisturizer.

What are the worst foods for psoriasis?

Psoriasis can worsen with alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking.

What autoimmune disease causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is its own disease; it is not caused by autoimmune disease

What can be mistaken for psoriasis?

Eczema or fungal infections can be mistaken for psoriasis.

What does nail psoriasis look like?

Nails psoriasis may show pits or grooves or thickening or yellowing.

What does psoriasis look like on your face?

It can show up as red patches or scaly areas especially along the hairline or near eyebrows.

What does psoriatic psoriasis look like?

Psoriasis flareups can be triggered by alcohol consumption.

What foods trigger psoriasis flare ups?

Psoriasis flareups can be triggered by alcohol consumption.

What happens if psoriasis goes untreated?

If psoriasis goes untreated, it may expand or thicken.

What is the best biologic for psoriasis?

There is no best biologic, but several of them are helpful in stopping psoriasis from occurring including: risankizumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, brodalumab, adalimumab, infliximab and others.

What is the best over the counter medicine for psoriasis?

Sometimes therapies that contain zinc may be helpful.

What is the best over the counter psoriasis treatment?

Sometimes over the counter treatments that contain zinc can help decrease psoriasis.

What is the best treatment for psoriasis?

Biologic treatments usually provide the best results for psoriasis improvement.

What is the difference between dermatitis and psoriasis?

Dermatitis is another way to say eczema; it occurs in infants through adults and tends to be worse with exposure to certain irritants and is more likely to occur on the face. Psoriasis generally begins later in life and tends to be better in summer months.

What is the difference between psoriasis and plaque psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasis that shows as discrete plaques on the torso, arms, legs.

What is the main cause of psoriasis?

The main cause of psoriasis is genetic in nature.

What is the new pill for psoriasis?

There are several new treatments for psoriasis - some pill treatments include apremilast (Otezla).

What is the safest psoriasis medication?

Several of the psoriasis medications have minimal side-effects or long-term effects. They are

What is the strongest steroid cream for psoriasis?

The strongest or most potent steroid creams are clobetasol or halobetasol or betamethasone diproprionate.

What kind of doctor can diagnose psoriasis?

A dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis. Family doctors also diagnose psoriasis.

What oil is best for psoriasis?

Oil is not considered a main treatment of psoriasis, but can be found in the base of various products that are effective treatments for psoriasis.

What organs can be affected by psoriasis?

Internal organs are not generally affected by psoriasis, but patients with psoriasis may be obese or have diabetes.

Why does psoriasis itch?

It itches because the skin is inflamed.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

DERMATELIER ONLINE

Keep up with the latest tips from DermAtelier on Avenue on Social Media

PRODUCTS Procured by Dermatelier

Healthy, beautiful skin relies on quality at-home care. At DermAtelier on Avenue, a curated collection of skincare will help you get there.

IN THE MEDIA

Media Moments with Dr. Beach: from Maskne to Sunscreen to Her Skin Routine.

BETTER SKIN AWAITS.

Dr. Beach is a dermatologist who prides herself in providing excellent care to help you achieve your healthiest and most beautiful skin. At DermAtelier on Avenue, we are prepared to meet any of your cosmetic or medical dermatology needs.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT