Psoriasis

Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a non-contagious skin disease that affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. There are several different forms, each with distinct characteristics. Most people only have one kind at a time, although occasionally several different forms of psoriasis can co-exist in the same person at the same time. Also, psoriasis can also change from one form to another though more often it is the case that one type of psoriasis will clear and then another form of psoriasis will appear later. Psoriasis is uncomfortable and can make patients self-conscious about the appearance of their skin. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available, in the form of medication or in-office treatment.

What are the Different Kinds of Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80% of those with the disease. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Inverse psoriasis is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in other skin folds around the genitals and the buttocks. Usually this type of psoriasis first shows up as bright red skin lesions that do not have the scaliness associated with plaque psoriasis. It may appear smooth and shiny. Because of its location in skin folds and tender areas, this form of psoriasis is exacerbated by irritation from rubbing and sweating. It is more common and troublesome in overweight people and people with deep skin folds.
Erythrodermic [eh-REETH-ro-der-mik] psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body surface. (It may occur in association with another form of the psoriasis, called von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis.) This form of the disease is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin. The erythema (reddening) and exfoliation (shedding) of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis requires medical attention.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Topical treatments—medications applied to the skin—are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. There are many effective topical treatments. While many can be purchased over the counter (OTC), others are available by prescription only.

Over-the-counter Topicals
Salicylic Acid – Also known as “sal acid,” salicylic acid helps remove scales and is often combined with topical steroids, anthralin or tar to enhance effectiveness. Available in both OTC and prescription forms.
Tar – Coal tar is available in topical, shampoo and bath solution forms. Tar can help slow the rapid proliferation of skin cells and help reduce inflammation, itching and scaling. It can also be used in combination with phototherapy.
Prescription Topicals
Tazorac – Available as a presciption gel or cream (also known by its generic name tazarotene), Tazorac is a vitamin A derivative and is also known as a topical retinoid. It can be used on the face, scalp and nails.
Topical Steroids – Corticosteroids, ordinarily called “steroids” by doctors and patients, are routinely used to treat psoriasis. Topical steroid medications can be very effective in controlling mild to moderate psoriasis lesions. They are easy to use and work relatively quickly. Most require a prescription. Topical steroids aren’t adequate on their own for moderate to severe psoriasis; however, they may complement other psoriasis treatment.
UVB Phototherapy – Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under specialized medical equipment, available at Long Ridge Dermatology. It’s also possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency.
Anthralin: This prescription topical can be very effective in treating plaque psoriasis. It does not work as quickly or as thoroughly as superpotent topical steroids, but unlike steroids, it has no known long-term side effects.
Dovonex: A form of synthetic vitamin D3 that slows down the rate of skin cell growth, flattens psoriasis lesions and removes scale. Dovonex also can be used on the scalp and for nail psoriasis.
Taclonex: This prescription ointment contains calcipotriene (the active ingredient in Dovonex) and the potent steroid betamethasone dipropionate. The calcipotriene slows down the rate of skin cell growth, flattens psoriasis lesions and removes scale, while the steroid helps reduce inflammation and itch.