Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that causes excess skin cells to build upon the surface of your skin. Although there are many different forms of the condition, about 80% of psoriasis patients have the type known as plaque psoriasis, which causes red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. At Indigo Dermatology in Melbourne, FL, Tampa, FL & Palm Bay, FL, dermatologist Dr. Sumeet Thareja provides effective management strategies for patients with psoriasis. To learn more, call or book your appointment online today.
How is psoriasis treated?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can’t be cured. The goal, therefore, of any psoriasis treatment is to effectively manage the condition by reducing inflammation and clearing your skin.
Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and retinoids, are medicated creams or lotions that you can apply directly to the lesions. They work best for mild to moderate cases of psoriasis.
More severe cases of the disease often respond best to a combination of topical lotions and oral or injected medications; most of these medications can only be taken for short periods of time, however.
Indigo also offers Xtrac treatment. Xtrac is a small handheld device that emits a concentrated single band of ultraviolet B (UVB) light on psoriasis lesions. The light penetrates the skin, breaking down the DNA of the T cells that are responsible for creating the psoriasis plaques. It slows cell turnover to help reduce scaling and inflammation.
Because light therapy doesn’t target healthy tissues, it can safely deliver a high-dose treatment of ultraviolet light for faster clearing and longer remission.
