Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a very common skin condition. Yet, patients struggle to find effective treatments because they cannot find a dermatology appointment. We understand the frustration of psoriasis. At Trillium Clinic Dermatology in Chapel Hill, our solutions are designed to help Chapel Hill dermatology patients find a good psoriasis treatment. Dr. Weiss is a former member of the National Psoriasis Foundation medical advisory board. He is considered in expert in the treatment of psoriasis. With all of the available advanced dermatology treatments for psoriasis, the Chapel Hill dermatologists at Trillium Clinic Dermatology will help you get your psoriasis under control. Start an advanced psoriasis treatment today!
What is Psoriasis
When you have psoriasis, your skin cells grow too fast and build up on your skin. This makes your skin look red and bumpy, and it can sometimes feel itchy or sore. People with psoriasis might have patches of dry, scaly skin on their elbows, knees, scalp or other parts of their body.
What Causes Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is caused by a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly. This rapid cell turnover leads to the formation of thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. While the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, factors such as genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and triggers like stress, infections, or certain medications can contribute to the development and exacerbation of the condition.
How is Psoriasis treated
- Moisturizers: Keeping your skin moisturized is important when you have psoriasis. Applying moisturizing creams or lotions regularly can help relieve dryness and itchiness.
- Topical: Doctors may prescribe special creams or ointments that you can apply to your skin. These can help reduce redness, itching, and scaling.
- Light therapy: Sometimes, doctors use special lights to treat psoriasis. They may expose the affected skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, either with a special machine in the office or with a device for use at-home.
- Systemic medications: In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications that you can take by mouth or receive through injections. These medications can help reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells. Systemic medicines are prescribed by dermatologists or healthcare professionals experienced in treating psoriasis. It is crucial to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks associated with systemic treatments to make an informed decision about the most appropriate course of action for managing your psoriasis.
What are systemic treatments for psoriasis:
- Systemic medications target specific proteins or cells in the immune system that are involved in the inflammation and rapid skin cell growth seen in psoriasis. By blocking these proteins or cells, systemic medicines help reduce inflammation and slow down the excessive skin cell production. Oral Medications are considered small molecules and are activated in the gut. Injectable medications are referred to as biologic treatments because they are a type of medication made from living cells. Biologic medicines cannot pass through the gut, and are thus given through injections under the skin (subcutaneously) or through intravenous (IV) infusions. The frequency of administration depends on the specific biologic and the treatment plan.
- Types of systemic medicines: There are different types of systemic medicines approved for treating psoriasis, including PDE-4 inhibitors (such as apremilast), Tyk-2 inhbitors (such as deucravacitinib), TNF-alpha inhibitors (such as adalimumab), IL-17 inhibitors (such as secukinumab), IL-23 inhibitors (such as risankizumab), and IL-12/23 inhibitors (such as ustekinumab). Each type targets different immune system proteins or cells.
- Effectiveness: Systemic medicines have shown significant efficacy in managing psoriasis symptoms, including reducing inflammation, clearing skin plaques, and improving quality of life for many individuals. However, responses can vary among individuals, and some people may not respond as well to certain systemic medicines.
- Safety considerations: Systemic medicines work by modulating the immune system, which can affect its ability to fight infections. It’s important to be monitored closely by a healthcare professional while on systemic treatment to watch for potential side effects, such as infections or allergic reactions.
Embark on your journey to radiant skin
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, often very severe, with periods of flare-ups and remission. Regular follow-up appointments are needed. Chapel Hill dermatology patients, who suffer from psoriasis, can schedule an appointment with us here. A member of our elite dermatology team, including Dr. Weiss, a nationally recognized psoriasis expert, will conduct a total evaluation of your skin. Dr. Weiss and his associates will also check for psoriatic arthritis. Our expert dermatology team will explore the various treatment options so that we give you the best treatment for your psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis, looking for a dermatologist near Carrboro, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Mebane, Durham, Raleigh, Burlington, Cary, and Alamance, can call our center for dermatology in Chapel Hill today to learn more.