Psoriasis

Psoriasis appears as sharply marginated, red, scaly patches on the skin that usually have no itching. It may appear at any age, and there is frequently a positive family history of psoriasis. The most common areas of involvement are the elbows, knees, and scalp though psoriasis can occur anywhere on the skin and commonly causes classical changes in the fingernails. Arthritis may be associated with psoriasis which when present can change the therapeutic options.

Psoriasis is treated with topical steroids, topical tar, and topical Vitamin D ointments and creams. For more extensive or persistent cases a laser or ultraviolet light therapy provided at our office is very helpful as are oral and injectable medications. Recent studies reveal an immune system basis for psoriasis, and the new injectable biologic medications work by blocking specific parts of your immune system. The future offers much hope for patients with psoriasis as our understanding of the immune system and its role in psoriasis grows.