PSORIASIS TREATMENT | TOP SKIN DOCTOR IN NEW JERSEY
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that
causes scaley patches of inflamed skin, typically on the knees,
elbows, torso, and head (facial and scalp psoriasis.) The impact of
psoriasis is more than skin deep. This skin condition may impact a
person’s emotional well-being and physical health. Fortunately,
Psoriasis treatment can help.
Take the first step towards clear
and healthy skin. Read on to learn more about psoriasis, including
its symptoms and causes, and discover the available treatments for
combating this condition.
FAQS
Psoriasis is a chronic skin
condition caused by inflammation. It affects 2% of the US
population. Psoriasis results from rapid skin cell growth in the
epidermis (the top layer of skin.) During normal cellular turnover,
skin cells are produced and slough (shed) off every 24 to 30
days.
With psoriasis, the production of
skin cells is accelerated, up to 10 times faster than normal. New
skin cells are produced every 3 to 4 days. This abnormally fast
production prevents the skin cells from maturing and sloughing off
properly. Rather, the skin cells build up, creating raised plaques
of red skin with flakey, white scales.
Psoriasis is caused by an
over-reactive immune system. Specifically, white blood cells, known
as T-lymphocytes, (which fight infections), overproduce
inflammatory molecules. This abnormal activation of the immune
cells in the dermis (the second layer of the skin) causes the rapid
production of skin cells.
The exact reason for this is not
fully understood. Genetics play a significant factor. 40% of people
with psoriasis will have a close relative with the disease.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It
cannot be spread from one person to another.
Flare ups are often activated or
exacerbated by a variety of triggers. Triggers vary from person to
person and may include:
• Skin injury like cuts or
sunburns
• Scratching or picking at the infected area (especially with scalp
psoriasis)
• Infections, like strep throat
• Certain medications like lithium or steroids like
prednisone
• Environmental factors, like cold or dry
weather
• Stress
• Lifestyle choices like consumption of tobacco or alcohol
Psoriasis affects 7.5 million
people in the US. Psoriasis typically starts in late adolescence
but can occur in people of all ages, including infants. While
psoriasis can affect people of any skin color, it is most common
for people with white skin.
There are several kinds of
psoriasis. The most common type
is plaque
psoriasis, also known as psoriasis Vulgaris. This
type is characterized by patches of raised skin (plaques) that are
red and inflamed. These plaques are covered with silvery-white
scales.
Plaque psoriasis can appear
anywhere on the body. However, it most often appears on the knees
and elbows, the torso (especially the lower back), and the head,
particularly scalp psoriasis and facial psoriasis.
Scalp Psoriasis: Research suggests nearly half
of people with plaque psoriasis have scalp psoriasis. This
manifests as fine scaling with a white or silvery sheen. It can
affect the entire scalp, the hairline, and the skin around the
neck, ears, and forehead.
Facial Psoriasis: Half of the individuals with
psoriasis will experience the disorder on their face at some point.
Facial psoriasis is typically mild but can be widespread, appearing
on the forehead, neck, ears, and around the eyes. Like scalp
psoriasis, facial psoriasis is associated with psychological
impacts on a person’s social life.
Inverse Psoriasis: This type involves smooth
patches of red, shiny skin. Inverse psoriasis lacks the scales
associated with plaque psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis typically
occurs where skin rubs together, like the armpits, under the
breasts, the groin area, and skin folds. Inverse psoriasis is
triggered by sweating and friction (rubbing.) Fungal infections can
also trigger this type of psoriasis.
Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect
fingernails and toenails. Nearly half of people suffering from
psoriasis see changes to their nails, such as: pitting or denting
in the nails, pain, and tenderness around the nails, and color
changes
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): This condition
refers to the presence of both psoriasis and joint inflammation
(arthritis). Research indicates 30% of people with psoriasis will
also develop psoriatic arthritis. Most of those people will develop
psoriatic arthritis ten years after developing psoriasis. Symptoms
include Painful or stiff joints, especially the fingers and toes.
Stiffness is most noticeable after waking up or after driving.
Swelling in the fingers and
toes.
Pain in the Achilles area, the
bottom of the foot, or spine.
Uncommon types of psoriasis
include:
Pustular psoriasis: Red skin
with Pustules (pus-filled bumps.)
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A potentially serious
form of psoriasis causing red, fiery skin across most of the
body.
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, red spots on the body.
Occurs most often in children.
Psoriasis is classified into
three groups: Severe, moderate, and mild. One-third of afflicted
individuals have moderate to severe psoriasis. When psoriasis
afflicts 5-10% of the body, it is considered moderate. When it
afflicts 10% or more of the body, it is considered severe.
For reference, 1% of the body is
the size of a person’s hand.
While moderate psoriasis may only
affect 5 to 10% of the body, that small area can significantly
impact a person’s quality of life. This is especially true for
facial psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, or genital psoriasis.
Psoriasis is not eczema. Eczema
does not involve the rapid production of skin cells. Instead, with
eczema, the epidermis (upper layer of skin) is porous, and
allergens, microbes, pollutants permeate through the skin and
activate the immune system in the dermis. This results in Itching.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is associated with asthma
and often starts in infancy.
Psoriasis can affect more than
your skin. The inflammation it causes can also affect the joints,
leading to psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis can also cause inflammation in the arteries, specifically
the coronary arteries (the vessels supplying blood to the heart.)
Research links moderate to severe psoriasis in adults with an
increased rate of heart attacks and strokes. Thus, the “heartbreak
of psoriasis,” a famous slogan from the 1960s, is not just a figure
of speech. Psoriasis can literally harm your
heart!
Fortunately, data reveals that people with moderate to severe
psoriasis who undergo professional psoriasis treatment decrease
their incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
Psoriasis is more than a physical
ailment. It may also impact your mental well-being. This skin
condition is correlated with an increase in depression, anxiety,
and thoughts about suicide.
PSORIASIS TREATMENTS
Because psoriasis can affect both
your health and well-being, it is essential to see a dermatologist
for proper psoriasis treatment.
The Psoriasis Center of New
Jersey has been involved in the research & education of all forms
of psoriasis treatment since 1990. Our knowledge and experience in
treating psoriasis are unparalleled.
It is essential that patients
receive the proper psoriasis treatment. Different patients respond
differently to specific therapies. In selecting an appropriate
treatment method from the Psoriasis Center of New Jersey, our
dermatologists curate a customized treatment plan tailored to the
location and severity of psoriasis, along with the patient’s
medical history.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
There is no cure for psoriasis.
Fortunately, there are several psoriasis treatments that are safe
and effective for improving plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis,
facial psoriasis, scalp psoriasis.
PSORIASIS CREAMS | TOPICAL
THERAPY
Topical therapy, or skin creams
containing corticosteroids, remain the first line therapy for mild
to moderate psoriasis localized to specific areas of the body.
These creams improve psoriasis by reducing inflammation.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT THERAPY
Present in natural sunlight,
ultraviolet light has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that
can help clear psoriasis from the skin.
Several forms of phototherapy are available. The type selected is
determined by the severity and location of the patient’s psoriasis
and the patient’s medical history.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHT
THERAPY
Narrowband UVB: This treatment is safe, highly
effective, and drug-free. The patient stands in a specially
designed cabinet containing UVB light tubes. The affected areas of
the body are exposed to the UVB for a short time (from seconds to
minutes). The effects generally become noticeable after seven to
ten treatments.* A typical course is thirty-six prescriptions.
Narrowband UVB has no increased risk of skin cancer.
PUVA (Psoriasis Ultraviolet A): Prior to treatment,
patients ingest a photosensitizer tablet. Seventy-five minutes
later, the patient stands in a specially designed cabinet
containing UVA bulbs, and the affected areas of the body are
exposed to the UVA for a short time. Windsor Dermatology has two
PUVA units for greater patient convenience in scheduling
treatment.
Hand/Foot PUVA and UVB: PUVA and narrowband UVB
treatments can be delivered in a targeted manner for patients with
psoriasis or eczema of the hands and/or feet, sparing unaffected
areas.
Excimer Laser: Laser Treatment with the PHAROS
EX-308 laser delivers concentrated, high-dose ultraviolet B
treatment to psoriatic plaques. Because treatment is limited only
to affected areas, the laser may safely deliver higher treatment
doses than conventional UVB, leading to faster clearance of
psoriasis. Laser treatment for psoriasis is covered by most major
insurance plans.
Phototherapy Treatments from
Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey are safely administered by
licensed medical professionals. The cost is covered by Medicare and
most insurance plans.
Phototherapy treatments are
performed three times per week, and most patients become clear
after 10 weeks.* To accommodate our patients’ busy schedules,
treatment sessions are available as early as 6 am, as late as 5 pm,
and on Saturdays
BIOLOGICAL THERAPY
Biologics are medications that
block a specific part of the immune system involved in psoriasis.
Different medicines target different parts of the immune system.
Your dermatologist will determine which drug is right for you.
Biological therapies commonly used for psoriasis include Skyrizi,
Tremfya, Talz, Cosentyx, Ilumya, Humira, Siliq. Cimzia, and
Enbrel.
Biologically therapy is delivered
via subcutaneous injection. Many biologics can be administered from
home.
ORAL MEDICATION FOR
PSORIASIS
Otezla (apremilast) is a
prescription medication for the treatment of psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis. The pill acts as a PDE4 inhibitor, blocking
the enzyme responsible for the inflammation associated with
psoriasis.
We at The Psoriasis Treatment
Center of New Jersey published an article in Journal of Drugs and
Dermatology. We evaluated 100 patients who averaged 15% body
surface area and after 6 months of safe therapy the average Body
Surface Area was 1.5% a 90%, in fact over 50% were completely
clear. This data was from two years ago since then newer and ever
safer treatments for plaque psoriasis have been FDA approved which
65% clear within 12 weeks, 85% are 90% clear within 12 weeks, and
scalp psoriasis 75% clear within 12 weeks.
FINDING A PSORIASIS SPECIALIST
IN NEW JERSEY
Windsor Dermatology is the home
of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey, the state’s first
complete facility for advanced psoriasis clinical research. Since
1985, our Medical Director, Dr. Jerry Bagel, has been at the
forefront of psoriasis patient care, treatment, and clinical
research, making the Center and Windsor Dermatology one of the most
respected clinical settings in America for psoriasis treatment.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
"All Staff are friendly
and courteous; they go above and beyond to make sure you’re well
taken care of. Dr. Jerry Bagel is tremendously helpful in his
knowledge and expertise of Psoriasis. He has helped me for the
better and for that I will always be grateful.
"
-Diane
PSORIASIS TREATMENT NEAR ME
Get help for your Psoriasis from
the premier dermatologists in New Jersey. Contact the Psoriasis
Treatment Center of New Jersey, today. Reach out online by
completing the form below or call 609-443-4500.
REFERENCES
Jerry Bagel , Bradley S. Stolshek
, et al. “Evaluation of Patient-Reported Outcomes with Etanercept
in Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis Patients After Therapy With
Apremilast.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. April, 2020. LINK.
Alexis AF, Blackcloud P.
“Psoriasis in skin of color: epidemiology, genetics, clinical
presentation, and treatment nuances.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2014;7(11):16-24. LINK.
