Dermatologist in Algonquin, IL describes treatment options for patients with psoriasis
Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can be incredibly embarrassing for men, women, and children. It is caused by an overproduction of skin cells in a specific area of the body, and can cause dry, irritated, white areas of plaque on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable. The condition is often noticed on the elbows and knees, though it can also show up on other places on the body. It is unknown what causes the condition, but it is believed to have something to do with the body’s immune system. Regardless, when patients have received a diagnosis of psoriasis and are seeking treatment, they are welcome to book an appointment with the staff at Dermatology Specialists of Illinois to get assistance from a Board-certified dermatologist.Psoriasis treatment options
After a proper diagnosis by our team of professionals, patients can ask about the solutions available to them in terms of treating their condition and maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. No single treatment works for everyone, so there are times when trial and error may need to be used to determine which is most effective for an individual. Psoriasis treatment varies from patient to patient but can control the issue and allow patients to rebuild their confidence and self-esteem following severe bouts of psoriasis on noticeable areas of the body.Treatment options may include some of the following services:
- Creams and medicated ointments – the most popular method of treatment and the least invasive is medicated creams and ointments. These are applied directly onto the areas of psoriasis to calm the area and provide relief for patients who are struggling with itching and an uncomfortable feeling. These are prescription solutions that can be delivered at certain strengths, depending on how severe the condition is.
- Oral medications – sometimes, it may be effective to treat certain skin conditions from the inside out using oral medications. These are medications that are specifically prescribed to the patient to take by mouth daily to control psoriasis and reduce the severity.
- Phototherapy – for some, light treatments called phototherapy can assist in reducing the amount of plaque that develops on the skin. These treatments are performed right in our practice and may be done on a regular basis in addition to oral medications or topical creams. Combining these services may provide patients with severe cases of psoriasis effective relief.
- Xtrac laser – psoriasis outbreaks can also be treated with specialized light therapy, which can be done routinely not only on active areas but as a proactive treatment to protect the skin against further issues.
- Biologic (injectable) medication – for patients with psoriatic arthritis, injectables may be used to clear certain outbreaks. These injectable medications may include Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel, Simponi, Stelara, and Remicade which are chosen by our professionals for optimum results in each individual patient based on their needs.
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Which treatment option is right for me?
Determining the course of treatment for psoriasis may be different for each individual patient. Our team does not consider a single treatment as the best solution for everyone, as there are different types of psoriasis and different stages and severities. What works for one patient may not work for another, so it is best to address the condition on a patient-by-patient basis. Our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Vikram Khanna, works with many patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis and can determine the best treatment based on an evaluation. Some patients may find that a combination of treatment options may work best to target the condition from several angles for faster results. Once the initial condition is treated, patients may switch to preventative care afterwards.
