Interesting Case — Psoriasis

This 24 year old female came to our office for red and white silver scaly plaques on her elbows. She said she has been dealing with these spots off and on her entire life. She has tried many different creams and greasy ointments, but is tired of having to constantly apply them every night. She came to see Dr. Badia to ask if there were any alternative treatments.

This patient has psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects more than 7 million Americans. This is more than 1 in 40 people. Psoriasis can be mildly irritating to physically disabling. Psoriasis skin cells reproduce in 3 to 4 days, instead of the usual 28 to 30 days it takes normal skin cells. And, while normal skin is shed unnoticed, the rapidly reproducing skin of psoriasis builds up and forms inflamed scaly lesions. In a small number of cases, a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis accompanies psoriasis. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease. Psoriasis can occur at any age, including infancy and old age. It is not contagious. It can't be spread from one person to another. Psoriasis may be physically painful. Inflamed lesions can crack open and bleed. Itching may be a constant problem. Psoriasis goes through cycles: sometimes better, at other times worse. There are various treatments to manage the symptoms.

Although, the mainstay of treatment for psoriasis has always been topical ointments and creams, there are alternative treatments. Two alternative treatments that Dr. Badia currently offers for her patients with psoriasis are narrowband UVB light therapy and the Pharos Excimer laser. Both of these treatments are quick, easy and painless ways to treat psoriasis. And the good news is that these treatments are covered by most insurance plans. To get more information on these treatments please contact our office.

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