Psoriasis Treatment · Dermatologist · Cosmetic, Laser Dermatology NYC

Psoriasis Treatment

If you think you have any type of psoriasis, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist immediately to ensure your psoriasis treatment is as effective as possible. As with many medical treatments, the sooner you meet with an expert to get your psoriasis under control, the better your outcome will be.

At your appointment, your New York City dermatologist examines you to determine an accurate diagnose. If you do have psoriasis, you can discuss which course of treatment is best for you. Because there are many treatment options, your choice depends both on the type of psoriasis and the severity of your condition. The most common procedures are described below, including:

• What you can expect
• What’s involved in the procedure
• How long does a treatment take
• The risks and side effects
• Your expected results
• The average recovery time

All symptoms, potential procedural/surgical options should always be discussed with your physician after a thorough consultation and examination for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Salicylic Acid Topicals

This medication promotes the shedding of the scaly part of your skin and relieves some of your itching and irritation. You can get the same medication in shampoo form for treating scalp psoriasis.

Be careful with this medication; you shouldn’t use it on too large an area. This treatment is typically prescribed in combination with other psoriasis treatments.

Steroid-Based Creams

These medications decrease inflammation and block the continued production of cells. Steroid creams also relieve itching and burning symptoms. There are a number of side effects with these creams, such as skin thinning and hypopigmentation, however. Make sure you follow the instructions of a good Manhattan dermatologist to the letter.

Coal Tar Ointments and Shampoos

Coal tar is considered a keratolytic. As such, it’s added to ointments and creams to relieve itching, scaling, flaking, and dryness by softening the areas of rapid skin growth. It also slows cell growth and can help reduce the effects of psoriasis. It’s safe when used as directed.

Calcipotriene Ointments

These topicals contain a strong vitamin D formula. These psoriasis treatments work by slowing down rapid skin cell growth. There are very few side effects from calcipotriene ointments. Still, you shouldn’t use it without the supervision of your dermatologist in New York City.

Prescription Retinoids

Whether oral or topical, these treatments contain high dosages of vitamin A. They’re often used for relief alongside other treatments. Topical retinoids may cause some skin irritation. Oral retinoids may have severe side effects and therefore require regular monitoring.

Light Therapy

Moderate sunlight can help psoriasis, but too much can worsen your irritation. Your dermatologist may prescribe psoralen, a light-sensitive drug, along with ultraviolet A light treatments. Another possible light therapy treatment uses ultraviolet B light alongside the use of coal tar treatments. These psoriasis treatments typically take no longer than a few minutes and can be very effective.

Both of these treatments have the risk of increased skin cancer development. The UVA treatments are more carcinogenic than UVB treatments and so are less common. Your dermatologist proceeds with caution, so this may not be the very first psoriasis treatment option tried.

Intralesional Steroid Injections

A more invasive procedure, this treatment involves injections of a steroid directly into your affected skin. This procedure takes place in your dermatologist’s office. It takes only a few minutes per treatment.

Intralesional steroid injections are very effective at reducing your symptoms quickly. You feel only minor pain from the injection, and the affected site may be a little tender temporarily.

Otezla

Otezla is an oral medication prescribed by your dermatologist. It’s used for both severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes inflammation in your skin cells.

The most common side effects and risks with Otezla are diarrhea, nausea, and headaches that may go away after a couple of days of psoriasis treatment. While you should take medicine only as directed by your dermatologist in NYC, the National Psoriasis Foundation has determined that Otezla is safe when taken over a long period of time.

Biologics

Biologics are genetically engineered proteins that are designed to inhibit specific parts of the immune system that are involved in inflammation, which leads to psoriasis. Due to the fact that they inhibit immune functions, side effects may include increased risk of infections and, rarely, increased risk of malignancy.

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult dermatologist NYC about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced board-certified dermatology doctor or pediatric dermatologist can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Do you have any questions about Psoriasis Treatment? Would like to schedule an appointment with an internationally recognized, award winning, leading dermatologist in New York, Dr. Susan Bard of Manhattan Dermatology Specialists, please contact our Midtown NYC office for a consultation with a cosmetic and laser dermatologist.