Lasting relief from the plaques, itch, and pain of psoriasis
FAQs about managing this autoimmune skin disorder
Psoriasis is not a single condition but rather a group of diseases. As such, there is no single way or treatment to effectively manage the disease that is “universally appropriate” for all individuals diagnosed with psoriasis. Plus, since psoriasis varies by type, its symptoms often mimic or resemble those of other conditions. These truths about psoriasis underscore the importance of partnering with a skilled and highly qualified specialist, like our team of dermatologists at Apex Dermatology in Westlake Village, California.
Why do I have psoriasis?
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, your immune system “overreacts” by perceiving healthy cells as foreign invaders and health threats. As such, psoriasis is not only a skin disorder but also an autoimmune disorder. Your hyperactive immune system sets off a process that eventually leads to the build-up of scaly, discolored, and thickened “plaques” on the skin. It can also be accompanied by metabolic syndrome, which can involve higher blood pressure, diabetes, weight issues, high blood fats, or other important challenges.
Does psoriasis always cause plaques?
No. There are many types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis may be the most common; however, our dermatologists may diagnose you with inverse, guttate, pustular, and other types of psoriasis. The symptoms associated with these types range from clustered red spots, shiny pink skin folks, or scalp scale, to pus-filled bumps.
What conditions may be mistaken for psoriasis?
Psoriasis shares symptoms with many other skin conditions, including eczema, seborrhea, allergic, irritant or chronic dermatitis, and other issues. Here again, it is essential to enlist the expertise of a skin specialist who can accurately diagnose the source or nature of your patches, swelling, inflammation, discoloration, and spots. Only then can recommendations be made to improve the appearance, severity, and frequency of these and other concerns.
How do you treat psoriasis?
There is no known cure for psoriasis so far. However, there is a full panel of treatments for psoriasis that are state of the art. With these tools, we can manage the disease and minimize the risk of flare-ups. Many skin conditions have common triggers that lead to the onset of symptoms or aggravate existing problems. Psoriasis is no different. We may isolate a specific irritant or allergen as a “trigger” and can work with you on measures to avoid or minimize the threat posed by these culprits. Many topical products and medications are also characterized as a first line of defense, ranging from medicinal creams to medicated lotions, ointments, and shampoos. But we offer so much more.
What happens if topical or other early approaches don’t work?
We are here to help! Our specialists may offer immune-balancing therapies such as biologics to reduce the overreactive immune system response that contributes to plaques and other symptoms. Light therapy may also be on the horizon. For full-body or hand and foot psoriasis, we offer NB-UVB to boost clearance and control. For more localized areas and even the scalp and genital region we can offer excimer or Xtrac laser. The XTRAC® is the only NB-UVB laser treatment of its kind that the FDA has cleared for treating psoriasis. It is associated with a 95% success rate for clearing psoriasis. Clearance was sustained for months in clinical studies. Treatment sessions are short, painless, and hassle-free – no more messy creams or time-consuming skincare regimens! These external treatments can be used alone or in combination with the state-of-the-art medicines now available, whether by injection or pills, or even non-steroidal creams.
Is the XTRAC® treatment right for you?
You will want one of our talented and experienced specialists to evaluate your skin. With an accurate diagnosis, Apex Dermatology is well on its way to putting the plaques and other distressing symptoms of psoriasis behind you. Call 818-889-2739 today to schedule your consultation at our Westlake Village, CA office.
