Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis
Our state-of-the-art facility offers superior treatment options ready for you in Johns Creek, Lawrenceville and Stockbridge, Georgia. If you have noticed the classic raised red patches of skin symptoms of psoriasis, you may also notice flaky silvery scales on top of these patches.
Psoriasis Treatment: Effective Solutions for Clearer Skin
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate, leading to the formation of thick, red, and scaly patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and can range from mild to severe. While psoriasis is not curable, there are numerous treatments available to help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve the overall quality of life. If you’re struggling with psoriasis, it’s important to understand your options for effective treatment.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a common type that affects 90% of all psoriasis patients. The most common spots for patches include knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, and lower back. During a flare-up, you will notice intense itchiness in these areas.
Our world-famous dermatologist practice in Johns Creek, Marietta, Stockbridge, and Lawrenceville, Georgia locations offer a local solution to diagnose your unique skin condition and provide the relief you desperately need. Most major insurance companies provide long-lasting treatment options, but multiple payment options are also available.
What is Psoriasis? Best Treatments?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in the buildup of excess skin cells that form scales and red patches. These patches can be itchy, painful, and inflamed, often appearing on areas like the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. There are different types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery scales.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots that typically appear after a throat infection.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Red, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds, such as under the arms or in the groin area.
- Pustular Psoriasis: White pustules surrounded by red skin, often affecting the hands and feet.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread redness, pain, and peeling skin.
Although there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, effective treatments are available to help control symptoms and reduce the severity of flare-ups.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The rapid growth of skin cells is a chronic disease you know as psoriasis. Faulty signals sent from the immune system tell skin cells to grow prematurely, causing an overabundance of skin cells. The body begins to shed these extra skin cells and pile up on the surface. Depending upon the severity, these symptoms surface as either mild or severe.
While you may think that psoriasis treatments are challenging applying, expensive, and ineffective, our state-of-the-art facility is here to show you another way.
Our world-famous dermatologists offer a local solution that requires no additional medical referrals. Multiple payment options and same-day appointments ensure you get the relief you need from your distressing psoriasis skin condition.
Don’t suffer in silence anymore, schedule your psoriasis treatment appointment today.
Dr. Bryant is affiliated with Northside Hospital, Emory Healthcare, ASDS, AAD and more.
Psoriasis Treatment Options
Treatment for psoriasis typically focuses on controlling the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Your dermatologist will help you choose the best treatment based on the type and severity of your psoriasis, as well as your overall health. Here are some of the most common psoriasis treatment options:
1. Topical Psoriasis Treatments
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are often the first line of defense in managing mild to moderate psoriasis.
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications help reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Available in creams, ointments, or lotions, corticosteroids are often used for flare-ups but should be used under the guidance of a doctor to avoid side effects from long-term use.
- Vitamin D Analogs: These help slow down skin cell growth and are often combined with other treatments to improve efficacy.
- Topical Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, these help reduce cell turnover and can be effective for mild to moderate psoriasis.
- Coal Tar: A treatment option that helps reduce itching and inflammation, often used for scalp psoriasis.
- Calcineurin Inhibitors: These medications suppress the immune response in the skin, useful for areas like the face or skin folds where corticosteroids are not recommended.
2. Phototherapy Psoriasis Treatment (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision. This treatment is most effective for moderate to severe psoriasis and can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells.
- UVB Phototherapy: Ultraviolet B light helps to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell turnover.
- PUVA: A combination of a drug called psoralen and UVA light, typically used for more severe cases of psoriasis.
Phototherapy may require multiple sessions to achieve results, but it can be highly effective for controlling flare-ups and achieving clear skin.
3. Systemic Psoriasis Treatments
Systemic treatments involve medications that work throughout the body to reduce the underlying immune response that causes psoriasis. These are often used for moderate to severe cases or when topical treatments are ineffective.
- Oral Medications: These include methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporine, which work by suppressing the immune system and slowing down skin cell production.
- Biologic Drugs: These are injectable or intravenous medications that target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. Biologics such as etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), and ustekinumab (Stelara) have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis, offering long-term relief for many patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
4. Alternative and Natural Remedies
In addition to traditional treatments, some people with psoriasis find relief through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. These include:
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel can help reduce the redness and scaling of psoriasis.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Used as a rinse or in diluted form, apple cider vinegar can soothe the scalp and reduce itching associated with scalp psoriasis.
- Oatmeal Baths: Soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath can provide relief from itching and inflammation.
- Dietary Changes: Some studies suggest that certain dietary changes, such as reducing gluten or eating anti-inflammatory foods (like omega-3 rich fish and leafy greens), may help manage psoriasis flare-ups.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Managing stress and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can also play a role in reducing the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups. Consider incorporating the following habits into your routine:
- Stress Management: Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, so practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be helpful.
- Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can improve overall health and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Moisturizing: Keeping your skin hydrated with gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers can help reduce dryness and prevent cracks in the skin that can lead to flare-ups.
When to See a Dermatologist for Treatment
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe psoriasis symptoms, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can evaluate your condition, recommend the most appropriate treatment options, and help you manage flare-ups more effectively.
In some cases, your psoriasis may be linked to other health conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, which can cause joint pain and stiffness. Early treatment and monitoring can help prevent long-term damage to the skin and joints.
Conclusion
While psoriasis can be challenging to live with, there are numerous treatment options available to help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Whether you’re dealing with mild patches or more severe cases, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. With the right approach, many people with psoriasis can enjoy clearer, healthier skin and a better quality of life.
Need help finding the right psoriasis treatment? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dermatologists and take the first step toward healthier skin.