Psoriasis Treatments

Clear Skin for the Holidays with These Psoriasis Treatments

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration! But for those dealing with psoriasis, it can be a challenging time, when embarrassing flare-ups make them want to hide at home. And while psoriasis is typically hereditary, many of its most common “triggers” are almost impossible to avoid during the holiday season.

Psoriasis can be triggered by factors like stress, certain foods, alcohol, lack of sleep, cold weather, and even infections such as respiratory or strep bacteria (which can weaken the immune system). And since December is full of all of these triggers, psoriasis suffers often have their worst flare-ups during the holidays.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, we understand the impact psoriasis can have on your well-being, especially during festive times with friends and family. In this article, our dermatologists explain the different types of psoriasis and delve into advanced treatments offered by Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg – to ensure you can enjoy the holidays with confidence and clear skin.

The Different Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis manifests in several forms, each presenting unique challenges for those affected. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing targeted treatment plans. That is why it is important to see a specialized and experienced dermatologist like Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg in Manhattan – to diagnose your specific type of psoriasis and prescribe the most effective treatment.

• Plaque Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris): The most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of people with psoriasis have this kind.
• Flexural Psoriasis: Affects skin folds and areas with friction, presenting as smooth, inflamed patches.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Involves joint inflammation along with skin symptoms, leading to pain and swelling.
• Psoriatic Onychodystrophy: Affects the nails, causing changes in color, texture, and shape.
• Scalp Psoriasis: Appears on the scalp, often leading to red, itchy, and scaly patches.
• Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by widespread pustules on red skin, accompanied by fever.
• Seborrheic-like Psoriasis: Resembles seborrheic dermatitis, involving red, scaly patches.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Presents as white, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin.
• Inverse Psoriasis: Occurs in skin folds, presenting as smooth, inflamed lesions.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Rare but severe, causing widespread redness and shedding of the skin.

Psoriasis Treatments – For the Holidays and Beyond!

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, our skilled dermatologists are dedicated to helping you achieve clear skin, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable during the holiday season and beyond. We offer a range of the most advanced psoriasis treatments tailored to the severity and type of psoriasis you’re dealing with.

Topical Medications for Psoriasis

Topical medications for psoriasis are applied directly to the skin and are often the first line of defense, especially for milder cases of psoriasis. Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids are commonly prescribed. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, while vitamin D analogs regulate skin cell growth and differentiation. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, promote normal cell turnover, preventing the accumulation of skin cells that lead to psoriasis plaques.

Topical psoriasis medications are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis, especially when the affected areas are limited. They are often prescribed for those who have not responded adequately to over-the-counter treatments.

The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to the medication. It may take a few weeks to see noticeable improvements, so start as soon as possible to ensure clarity in time for Christmas or New Years. And, remember that consistency in application of topical psoriasis medications is crucial for optimal results!

Photodynamic Light Therapy for Psoriasis

Photodynamic Light Therapy (PDT) is emerging as a promising treatment for psoriasis, offering a targeted and minimally invasive approach. This innovative therapy involves the combination of a photosensitizing agent and light exposure to specifically target affected skin cells, providing relief from psoriatic symptoms.

The process begins with the application of a photosensitizing agent, often a topical medication like aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL). These agents are preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells, such as those in psoriatic plaques. Following a brief incubation period, the affected areas are exposed to light, typically a specific wavelength of laser or LED light. This interaction activates the photosensitizer, generating a reaction that selectively destroys the targeted cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched. The treatment’s precision makes it an attractive option for localized psoriasis plaques.

Photodynamic Light Therapy is generally recommended for individuals with localized psoriasis, particularly when other treatments have not provided satisfactory results. It can be a suitable option for those who prefer a targeted therapy with fewer systemic effects compared to traditional medications.

The timeline for visible results with Photodynamic Light Therapy can vary among individuals. Some patients may experience improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require more sessions for optimal outcomes. Consistency in treatment sessions is key, and the dermatologist will tailor the treatment plan based on the patient’s response.

Otezla Oral Psoriasis Treatment

Otezla is often prescribed for individuals who have not responded well to, or cannot tolerate, other systemic treatments like methotrexate or cyclosporine. It is also a suitable option for patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Otezla (apremilast) is an oral prescription medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). By doing so, it modulates certain cellular activities involved in the inflammatory process associated with psoriasis. Otezla is particularly suitable for those with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

The duration of Otezla treatment varies for each individual. Improvement in psoriasis symptoms is usually noticeable within a few weeks, and the medication is typically taken long-term to maintain control of the condition. Regular follow-ups with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Goldenberg in Manhattan are essential to monitor its effectiveness and address any potential side effects.

Biologic Injection Psoriasis Treatment

Biologics are a class of medications that target specific components of the immune system involved in the inflammatory response seen in psoriasis. They are typically administered through injections and work by interrupting the signals that lead to excess inflammation and abnormal skin cell growth.

Biologics are often prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis who have not responded well to other psoriasis treatments. They may also be recommended for those with psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Goldenberg in Manhattan will assess your medical history, severity of symptoms, and response to previous treatments when prescribing a biologic injection psoriasis treatment.

The frequency of biologic injections varies depending on the specific medication prescribed. Some are administered every few weeks, while others may be less frequent. The duration of treatment is generally long-term, and adjustments may be made based on the individual’s response and any potential side effects. Regular monitoring is crucial to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and safety of biologic therapy.

Psoriasis Treatment | Manhattan Dermatologists

It’s important to note that the best choice of psoriasis treatment is highly individualized, and best results are achieved under the care of an experienced dermatologist like those at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg will carefully evaluate each patient’s unique condition, medical history, and preferences to determine the most suitable approach for managing their psoriasis.

Psoriasis should not hinder your enjoyment of the holidays or any other season. At Goldenberg Dermatology, we are committed to providing personalized care to address your unique needs, ensuring you step into the festivities with clear skin and confidence. Don’t let psoriasis control your holidays—schedule a consultation with our dermatologists and embark on the path to clearer skin today!

Psoriasis Treatment | Manhattan Dermatologists: 212-405-8202