Psoriasis Treatment 101

Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that is actually a bit of a mystery for the medical community. Treatment options are available to help those who are afflicted with the disease.

With this condition, skin cells reproduce at a significantly faster rate than they normally would, as much as ten times more. As the cells are generated, they travel to the surface of the skin where they build up and die off. The sheer volume of cells produced leads to red, raised plaques marked with white scales, which is one of the key symptoms to note. Other symptoms include dryness, itching, bleeding, and soreness in the affected areas.

At this time, there is no definitive “cure” for the condition, so psoriasis treatment is centered on relieving symptoms and managing the disorder. This is achieved by preventing the skin cells from growing at such a fast rate and removing the scales that build up on the surface. The three forms of treatment to assist in meeting those objectives are:

Topical treatments – Ointments and creams can be effective for treating mild to moderate cases, even on their own. When it comes to severe cases, topical medications are likely to be combined with one of the other forms of treatment. Specific topical medications include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and anthralin.
Phototherapy (light therapy) – The use of both artificial and natural ultraviolet light sources can be beneficial for this disorder. A key element is controlled exposure—simply laying out in the sun for extended periods can actually exacerbate the condition.

In addition to sunlight, UVB phototherapy, narrow band UVB therapy, and laser treatments are potential options.

Oral (and injected) medications – These are typically reserved for cases of psoriasis that are resistant to other forms of treatment. The reason behind this is that many oral and injected medications used to treat psoriasis do come with side effects. As such, medication is often used only in brief periods.

Understanding the various forms of psoriasis treatment is important, but so too is talking to us when the condition causes issues in your lower limbs! Contact Dallas Podiatry Works for more information by calling 972.853.7100. You can also simply schedule an appointment online today or come in to talk to one of our foot doctors.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.