What are my treatment options for Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a noncontagious autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, causing recurring "flares" of itchy, painful patches or bumps on the skin. Though psoriasis cannot be cured, there are many ways to manage your symptoms. Dr. Reaves will help you evaluate available treatments and determine the right one for you.

Treatment Options

• Topical treatments: There are many creams, gels, and ointments that help control mild or moderate psoriasis by reducing inflammation and redness.
• Light therapy: CallaDerm offers XTRAC, a virtually pain-free laser therapy that is targeted to the affected area of the skin. Laser treatments can help heal psoriasis flares and provide up to several months of relief from symptoms. Learn more about XTRAC.
• Systemic medicine: Pills or injections help slow the growth of skin cells throughout the body.
• Biologics: Biologic injections are made from living cells developed in a laboratory. They are used in moderate or severe cases of psoriasis to help prevent the abnormal immune system processes that cause the disease.

Avoiding Triggers

• Psoriasis flares can be activated by different circumstances-try keeping a journal to identify your triggers. Common triggers include:
• Stress
• Cold, dry weather
• Skin injury by vaccination, sunburn, cut, or scratch
• Some medications, including lithium, antimalarials, inderal, quinidine, and indomethacin

Learn more about psoriasis.

Get support from the National Psoriasis Foundation's online community.