From Severe to Mild Psoriasis, We Can Help You
Whether you are experiencing a mild case or severe case of psoriasis, the dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to help you. Psoriasis can be painful and make you lack self-confidence, and we want to do anything we can to help it disappear and restore your confidence. We can teach you all you need to know about psoriasis and available treatment options for any level of severity.
How to Identify and Treat Psoriasis
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the United States. The root cause of psoriasis is unknown but is often a result of an abnormality in the white cells in the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation in the skin, resulting in what we call psoriasis. Other triggers for those who have psoriasis include infections, dry skin or stress. When your psoriasis is triggered, the inflammation appears in the form of inflamed, thick, red skin with shiny scales. In mild cases, the psoriasis will appear in one area of the body. In more severe cases, psoriasis will appear all over the body. Common areas for psoriasis to appear on include the scalp, elbows, face, neck and arms. If signs of psoriasis occur, a dermatologist should be seen for diagnosis who can then provide treatment options.
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis treatment options for mild and severe cases can include an excimer light, light therapy, biologic drugs or steroids, just to name a few. With excimer light treatment, a focused laser beam is concentrated on areas with psoriasis. Patients often complete two treatments per week, up to 10 treatments total. Excimer light treatment is best suited for mild cases of psoriasis.
UVB light therapy uses sunlight and ultraviolet light to slow the growth of the abnormal white cells causing your psoriasis. The light is shined onto the areas affected by psoriasis and is most often used on patients with severe cases. Three to five sessions per week should be done over the course of three months for the best results.
Biologic drugs are drugs given through an IV or through injection. It targets specific areas of the immune system to block the cells and proteins that contribute to the cause of psoriasis. They can also be used with other psoriasis treatments to increase results.
Lastly, steroids or corticosteroids are the most common topical treatment for psoriasis. They act as an anti-inflammatory and can keep psoriasis inflammation down. They come in varying strengths so they can be used for both mild and severe cases of psoriasis. When applying the cream, use a small amount and only apply it to the affected areas.
Each of these treatments should be discussed with a dermatologist and decided upon based on the level of severity of your psoriasis. Psoriasis does not just affect your physical health but can affect your mental health as well and should be diagnosed as soon as symptoms arise.
The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to help you and your psoriasis. From diagnosis to treatment options we can be there every step of the way with guidance. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or surrounding areas complete this form to get in touch with us.