Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease that usually appears as raised red lesions and can be present on any area of the body. This disease affects around 8 million people in the United States alone. While the cause is unknown, there are many treatment options. If you are looking for a psoriasis treatment, our suburban Chicago skin care specialists can help. We are committed to educating you about your condition and treatment options, and offer a variety of methods to help treat this disease. And since we participate in psoriasis clinical research trials, we have access to new medications only available through clinical research protocols.
Our physicians and nursing staff have extensive experience in psoriasis treatment. Dr Paul Getz has dedicated a large amount of time to researching the latest techniques in psoriasis treatment for Chicago area men and women. We believe in patient education and active involvement in psoriasis care. To learn more about how we can help, call us at (847) 851-8888 or request a consultation online for more information.
Psoriasis Explained
Psoriasis is a hereditary and chronic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin most commonly in the form of raised red patches and lesions, covered by a buildup of dead skin. Psoriasis often can be seen on the hands, knees, elbows, feet, and scalp. Those with severe psoriasis may experience itching and even physical discomfort, and while this condition is not contagious, it can cause embarrassment and self consciousness.
Treatment Options
While there is no known cure for psoriasis, today there are more treatments available than ever including laser skin treatments as well as the XTRAC Velocity-700 Excimer Laser. Because every person’s skin is different, one treatment may not work for another patient. For those with a mild to moderate strain of the disease, topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, or oral medications may be prescribed.
Those with a mild to moderate severity of psoriasis may require a treatment with the XTRAC Velocity-700 Excimer Laser. This procedure has recently been approved by the FDA for treating chronic, localized psoriasis plaques. This laser is specifically designed to emit ultraviolet light (UVB) at a very specific wavelength that effectively targets affected cells. Typically, patients using this therapy need 4 to 10 treatments before they notice results.
Another treatment option for extensive psoriasis is phototherapy or light therapy. Psoriasis is very responsive to light therapy. Years of research helped to determine the exact wavelength of light that psoriasis responds to the best. That wavelength is 311-nm and medical grade lights are produced that deliver just that single wavelength of light. These lights are called Narrow-Band UVB. They are available only through a physician. Narrow Band UVB therapy is considered one of the most safe and effective psoriasis treatments. We provide the full spectrum of treatments with UVB light including full body treatment, hands and feet only, or targeted therapy.
Those who experience more severe psoriasis may be offered treatment with “biologics.” These are active proteins so they must be administered by injection. Most work by blocking the chemical messenger TNF-a, an abbreviation for tumor necrosis factor-alpha. TNF-a acts as a trigger in the immune system which signals cells to create inflammation. Psoriasis treatments help lower TNF-a to a more normal level. Fortunately there are now several options for this type of treatment, and most can be injected at home by the patient.
As a psoriasis treatment center we have many years experience with the selection and monitoring of the most appropriate therapy to provide your best result. Talking with your dermatologist in Chicago can help determine which treatment method is right for you.