Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of immune dysregulation. That causes a disorder in skin which forms dry, reddish and scaly rash that is characterized by increased speed of cell production. Normally, skin cells reproduce every 21-28 days.  With psoriasis, skin cells reproduce at a much faster rate of two to six days.  The accelerated cell production then causes constant shedding of the skin as the older skin cells are replaced with new skin cells.  There are various types of psoriasis that can develop from various triggering agents in all parts of the body and require specific treatment based on the severity of the psoriasis.  While psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder, many people experience social anxiety as the effects of psoriasis are generally noticeable.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition and requires sophisticated medical intervention and treatment. Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, many effective treatments are available. Treatments for Psoriasis are much better than what we had 10 years ago. However, there can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis therapies. In selecting an appropriate treatment method, our dermatologists consider the location and severity of involvement along with the patient’s medical history.

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

Ultraviolet light present in natural sunlight has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can clear psoriasis from skin. Ultraviolet B (UVB) penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. Treatments like phototherapy are performed three times a week and most patients become clear after 10 weeks. I

Several forms of phototherapy are available. The type selected is determined by the severity and location of the patient’s psoriasis as well as the patient’s medical history.

Different Types of Light Therapy

• Narrowband UVB: This treatment is safe, highly effective and drug-free. The patient stands in a specially designed cabinet containing UVB light tubes. The affected areas of the body are exposed to the UVB for a short time (from seconds to minutes). The effects generally become noticeable after seven to ten treatments. A typical course is thirty-six prescriptions. Narrowband UVB has no increased risk of skin cancer.
• PUVA (psoriasis ultraviolet A): Prior to treatment, patients ingest a photosensitizer tablet. Seventy-five minutes later, the patient stands in a specially designed cabinet containing UVA bulbs, and the affected areas of the body are exposed to the UVA for a short time.
• Hand/foot PUVA and UVB: PUVA and narrowband UVB treatments can be delivered in a targeted manner for patients with psoriasis or eczema of the hands and/or feet, sparing unaffected areas.
• Excimer Laser: Laser Treatment with the PHAROS EX-308 laser delivers concentrated, high-dose ultraviolet B treatment to psoriatic plaques. Because treatment is limited only to affected areas, the laser may safely deliver higher treatment doses than conventional UVB, leading to faster clearance of the psoriasis.

Biologic Therapies

Biologic Agents offer hope to those who haven’t had success with other approaches or were uncomfortable with the potential side effects of older systemic medications. Biologic agents are administered by injection. Different from traditional systemic drugs that impact the entire immune system, biologics target specific parts of the immune system. They treat psoriasis by reducing inflammation in the skin and elsewhere in the body. These medicines are intended to treat patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and patients with psoriatic arthritis. Selection of a specific agent is based on the patient’s medical history, the presence or absence of psoriatic arthritis, and other factors.