The Itch Stops Here: Staten Island’s Go-To Guide for Psoriasis Relief

Do you wear long-sleeved shirts year-round to hide your psoriasis? Do you avoid wearing shorts, even in the humid summers of Staten Island, NY? Are you tired of people asking you, “What’s that on your arm?”

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t worry – you’re not alone. 

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than eight million Americans and 125 million people worldwide are living with psoriasis – representing around two to three percent of the global population. 

But don’t just think of it as a cosmetic problem – because it’s so much more than that. 

In fact, nearly 60 percent of psoriasis patients report their disease to be a large problem in their everyday life, from the clothes they wear to the way they feel about themselves and the activities they partake in. 

If that sounds like you, then contact us immediately – because we can help. 

Psoriasis: The Itch You Can’t Scratch

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply at an accelerated rate, leading to the buildup of extra skin cells that form red, scaly patches, often with a silvery appearance.

These patches, also known as plaques, can be itchy, painful, and sometimes crack or bleed. While they can occur anywhere on the body, they’re commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Here are just some of the ways psoriasis can affect your daily life: 

• Persistent itching, pain, soreness, and irritation at the site of the plaques
• Self-consciousness and embarrassment since it usually affects highly visible areas of the skin
• Many patients avoid social situations because of how noticeable their plaques are
• People with psoriasis might have to wear specific types of clothing to cover affected areas
• Rough or synthetic materials may aggravate sensitive skin
• The unpredictability of flare-ups can lead to emotional stress
• Certain activities, especially those involving friction or sweating, may aggravate psoriasis
• People with psoriasis may need to avoid certain triggers like stress, alcohol, or particular foods

While the exact cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood, it's believed to be linked to genetic and immune system factors. Triggers for flare-ups can include stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications.

There’s no known cure for psoriasis, but treatment can help patients manage the symptoms. 

Topical Medication: Just a Dab Will Do

Topical treatments are the first-line approach for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation, slow cell turnover, and ease symptoms like itching and scaling.

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of topical medications used to treat psoriasis flare-ups: 

• Corticosteroids help reduce swelling, inflammation, itching, and redness.

• Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene (Dovonex) help slow skin cell growth. 

• Retinoids like tazarotene (Tazorac) are derived from vitamin A and can slow skin cell turnover.

• Calcineurin inhibitors reduce inflammation by targeting immune responses in sensitive areas.

• Coal tar and salicylic acid help reduce scaling and remove dead skin cells for smoother skin.

Topical treatments come in a wide range of forms, but the most popular are creams, lotions, gels, foams, and ointments. Most patients are asked to apply the topicals in small amounts once or twice per day. 

Oral Medication: Down the Hatch It Goes

Oral medications, which are taken by the mouth, are often prescribed for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis that don’t respond to topical treatments. They target immune responses to reduce inflammation. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of oral medications used to treat psoriasis today: 

• Methotrexate helps reduce skin cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. 

• Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that reduces overactive immune responses.

• Acitretin (Soriatane) is a systemic retinoid that helps normalize skin cell production. 

• Apremilast (Otezla) reduces inflammation without suppressing the entire immune system.

Oral medications are a form of systemic treatment, meaning they affect the entire body. Your doctor will work with you to make sure the medication you’re taking doesn’t interfere with your normal, everyday life.

Injectable Treatment: Get Your Shot of Relief

Biologics are a newer, highly targeted treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis. These drugs are injected or infused and work by targeting specific parts of the immune system responsible for flare-ups. 

Here are some of the most popular injectables used to treat psoriasis today: 

• TNF-alpha inhibitors, such as adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and etanercept (Enbrel), block tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which is a protein that triggers inflammation.

• Interleukin inhibitors, such as ustekinumab (Stelara) and secukinumab (Cosentyx), target specific interleukins (IL-12, IL-23, or IL-17), which are proteins that contribute to flare-ups.

• T-cell blockers are medications that block the activation of T-cells, which are part of the immune system response involved in psoriasis. 

Biologics offer a highly effective treatment for severe psoriasis, often clearing skin significantly when other treatments have failed. Not only that, but they have fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. 

Phototherapy: The Light At the End of the Tunnel

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a treatment for psoriasis that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light with the goal of slowing down the rapid skin cell growth causing psoriasis plaques.

There are a variety of different types of phototherapy for psoriasis, including: 

• Broadband UVB therapy, which uses a wide range of ultraviolet B (UVB) light wavelengths. 

• Narrowband UVB therapy, which uses a smaller range of wavelengths (311–313 nm). 

• Excimer laser therapy, which delivers targeted UVB light to specific areas of the skin. 

• PUVA therapy, which combines UVA light with psoralen to increase skin sensitivity. 

Phototherapy is an excellent alternative to surgery and/or injections, and can be combined with a variety of topical and oral medications. Sessions only last a few minutes and are done on an outpatient basis. 

If you want to lessen the thickness and scaling of plaques, ease inflammation, and alleviate itching, you might be a good candidate for phototherapy. Contact us today and we’ll help you navigate your options. 

Beat the Itch: Psoriasis Relief Starts at Reforma Dermatology

Are psoriasis flare-ups starting to interfere with your ability to live a happy, healthy, and normal life? Do you dream of living an itch-free, flare-free lifestyle? Are you ready to finally regain control of your skin? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Reforma Dermatology – where we help Staten Island overcome psoriasis symptoms. 

We work closely with our patients to ensure a personalized and comprehensive approach to skin care by utilizing the latest research and treatment advances in dermatology to help manage psoriasis effectively.

‍Contact us today at (929) 200 3003 to discuss your treatment options with a trusted professional.