Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that typically presents with red, scaly patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, palms and soles. In some patients, nails can be affected as well.

Although there is no guaranteed cure, your doctors can fine-tune your treatment to minimize your symptoms.

Mild psoriasis typically requires treatment with a topical agent, including high potency topical corticosteroid cream and vitamin D agent (e.g. Dovobet ointment).

Moderate psoriasis can be effectively treated with light therapy, and narrow-band UVB phototherapy available in our office is much safer that its predecessors like PUVA or UVB.

Patients with more severe psoriasis or those unresponsive to light therapy will require a systemic agent. These include older systemic agents like methotrexate, cyclosporine and soriatane.

Over the past several years a number of novel biologic agents have been introduced. These include alefacept (Amevive), etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

Our dermatologists will further determine whether these treatments are appropriate for you.