Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, and it can have a negative impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Fortunately, psoriasis can be controlled with the help of a skilled dermatologist. Khrom Dermatology in Brooklyn, NY offers patient education and professional treatment.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, though often misunderstood condition. Contrary to popular myths, it is not contagious at all. The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but we know that it is a chronic inflammatory condition, most likely associated with a malfunction of the immune system. Although it is often thought of as a skin disease, psoriasis can affect the body in many ways, most notably psoriatic arthritis, which causes swelling and stiffness of the joints.
There are several types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. It is characterized by flat, raised patches of reddish skin covered in silvery scales.
- Guttate psoriasis is usually seen in young adults or children. The lesions are smaller than those of plaque psoriasis, and the scaly covering is thinner.
- Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth, red, inflamed areas, usually in the armpit area, under breasts, or in the groin area.
- Nail psoriasis causes abnormal growth of fingernails or toenails, sometimes causing them to separate from the nail bed.
- Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pus-filled lesions, often in large patches. It is an uncommon form of psoriasis.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis is an extremely uncommon subtype, which causes large areas of skin to turn red and peel, similar to a severe burn.
How psoriasis is treated
Creams, moisturizers, and other topicals may make psoriasis more comfortable, but are unlikely to clear the skin. In recent years, the FDA has approved a number of biologic medications, which are extremely effective for most patients. However, the potential side effects make these medications a poor choice for certain people.
Light therapy is a tried and true technique for clearing skin, which remains very popular. We use the 308 EXCIMER SYSTEM, which is clinically proven, and FDA cleared. Most medical insurance plans cover this safe and painless treatment.
Call our office at 718-751-0674 and schedule a consultation to learn more about the available options, and which is right for you.
