While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, there are a number of highly-effective psoriasis treatments that can help restore quality of life to those who suffer from it. At New Life Dermatology, we specialize in providing exceptional treatment of psoriasis, so you can get back to your life without the discomfort and embarrassment of a skin condition. Our physicians and clinical staff are here to provide comprehensive treatment and education for psoriasis and other skin conditions, and work with you to create a treatment regimen that works with your life. Psoriasis can cause frustration and even embarrassment for those who have it, especially during severe flare ups. Our mission is to provide effective treatment that allows you to do the things you enjoy without worrying about your skin condition.
Our clinic will help you take control of your psoriasis by providing comprehensive treatment planning that includes patient education, at-home care instructions, and advanced medical treatment for your psoriasis. Our treatment plans are designed with you in mind, and we work hard to formulate a plan that will be both effective and will work with your lifestyle and schedule. We begin with a full intake exam that explores the severity of your condition, the frequency of flare ups, and your own personal goals and needs. We realize that no two patients are alike, and each individual who comes to our clinic requires a treatment program that is tailored to their own medical and personal needs.
Treatment Options at New Life Dermatology:
Topical Treatments
The most common treatment for psoriasis and one of the most effective in combating the symptoms of psoriasis is the use of topical creams, lotions, and ointments. This is usually the first step in the treatment of psoriasis, especially mild to moderate forms of the condition. There are many different options when it comes to topical treatments for psoriasis, which your doctor will discuss with you in detail. Most topical treatments involve steroids in varying strengths, though more natural products are also available. Most topical treatments require consistent use before they take full effect, and most do cause minor side effects.
UV Light Therapy
The underlying cause of psoriasis symptoms is the overgrowth of skin cells on the surface of the skin. UV light, when applied directly to affected areas, has been shown to slow the growth of these skin cells, which can clear up current outbreaks. Light has the ability to provide anti-inflammatory effects on human skin, whether it’s natural or artificial light. New Life Dermatology uses state-of-the-art equipment that provides light therapy 3-4 times per week for our patients experiencing a current flare up. For most patients, significant improvement is shown within 8 weeks of light therapy.
Laser Therapy
When more aggressive light therapy is required, laser therapy may be utilized to pinpoint problem areas with a high dose of UV rays. This treatment is safe and effective for more severe outbreaks, and improvement is seen more quickly than with traditional UV therapy.
Medications
There are a number of oral medications available to help control the symptoms of psoriasis, especially in those patients that have psoriasis that is resistant to other forms of treatment. Oral medications can have significant, and sometimes severe, side effects, however, so we do not recommend ongoing treatment with oral medications. Alternating oral medications with other forms of treatment has been shown to provide optimal results while minimizing the side effects experienced with oral medication. Your doctor will discuss the possibility of oral medication with you, along with possible side effects, so you can make an informed decision regarding the use of medications. It should be noted that most oral medications used to treat psoriasis have been shown to significantly decrease the body’s immune response, which can result in an increased susceptibility to illness and infections. Please discuss the use of medications with your doctor and make sure to report any and all side effects that you experience.
Injections and IV Medications
Injections or IV biologic agents are sometimes used to combat the symptoms of psoriasis. These medications are created using living organisms designed to target specific areas of the immune system, and can reduce inflammation and lower skin cell production. Biologic agents are used primarily in severe outbreaks of psoriasis, and patients may experience side effects including a lowered immune response to infection and illness. The risks associated with this type of treatment should be discussed fully with your doctor prior to undergoing biologic agent treatment.
At-Home Care Recommendations
There are many things you can do at home to help control psoriasis symptoms and avoid outbreaks. Your doctor will discuss these options with you, and provide you with a written recommendation for home care of your psoriasis. These may include:
- Limited or increased exposure to sunlight – In some individuals, exposure to sunlight can trigger a psoriasis outbreak. In others, it can help alleviate the symptoms. Discuss this carefully with your doctor.
- Oatmeal baths – these can be soothing and help lessen the effects of a psoriasis outbreak
- Stress management – stress has been shown to be a factor in psoriasis flare ups. Learning proper stress management skills can help you avoid our minimize future outbreaks.