Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid turnover of cells that form patches of thick, scaly skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The affected skin can be red, itchy, and sometimes painful.
Treatment may vary depending on the severity of your psoriasis, your overall health, and your preferences and lifestyle.
What to Expect
At Lenzy Dermatology there are several treatments available for psoriasis patients including:
Topical treatments: These include creams, ointments, and lotions that are applied directly to the affected skin. They may contain steroids, vitamin D, or other ingredients that can reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid turnover of skin cells.
Oral medications: If psoriasis is more severe, Dr. Lenzy may recommend oral medications that can be taken by mouth. These may include prescription drugs like apremilast, deucravacitinib, methotrexate, cyclosporine, or retinoids.
Light therapy: This treatment involves exposing the affected skin to ultraviolet light, which can slow down cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Biologics: These are a newer class of medications that are injected or taken by infusion. Biologics target the specific immune system cells that cause psoriasis symptoms, and they can significantly reduce symptoms for many people with moderate to severe psoriasis.
It's important to work closely with a qualified dermatology provider to develop a treatment plan that's right for you, and help monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan over time to optimize your results.