Psoriasis treatment

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing care and management.

How Psoriasis Treatment Works

At Atlantic Dermatology, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your specific needs. The goal of psoriasis treatment is to slow down the rapid growth of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and relieve symptoms. Treatments may include topical medications, phototherapy (light therapy), systemic medications, and biologics. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to effectively manage your psoriasis and improve your quality of life.

Types of Psoriasis Treatments at Atlantic Dermatology

At Atlantic Dermatology, we provide a variety of psoriasis treatments tailored to the severity of your condition. Our experienced dermatologists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following:

Topical Treatments

For mild to moderate psoriasis, topical treatments are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and control cell turnover:

• Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
• Vitamin D Analogs: Slow skin cell production.
• Topical Retinoids: Normalize skin cell turnover.
• Coal Tar: Helps reduce scaling and inflammation.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy uses UV light to slow down skin cell growth, particularly for moderate to severe psoriasis:

• UVB Phototherapy: Narrowband UVB light reduces inflammation and scaling.
• PUVA Therapy: Combines a drug (psoralen) with UVA light for severe cases.

Systemic Treatments

For more severe psoriasis, systemic treatments target the immune system to manage symptoms:

• Oral Medications: Methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporine reduce inflammation and skin cell growth.
• Biologics: Target specific immune system factors and are administered through injections or infusions.

Combination Therapy

We may combine different treatments, such as topical treatments with phototherapy or biologics with systemic drugs, for enhanced results.

Lifestyle and Complementary Treatments

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage psoriasis:

• Stress Management: Techniques like yoga and meditation can reduce flare-ups.
• Diet: Anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits and omega-3 rich fish, may help manage symptoms.
• Moisturization: Keeping the skin hydrated reduces dryness and irritation.