Medical Dermatology

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that often manifests as thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white “scales”.

Psoriasis is not contagious, and doctors believe that it is an inflammatory response that appears most often among individuals with a genetic predisposition and/or weakened immune system. Because it is recurrent and episodic and may be triggered by dozens of environmental situations as well as emotional stress, psoriasis can be difficult to treat.

At The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we treat psoriasis on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to treat, control, and prevent symptoms and potential infection. Our treatments are designed to minimize the frequency and severity of chronic inflammatory flare-ups and to extend periods of remission. With the appropriate treatment, psoriasis can completely disappear. There are many topical medications used to treat limited psoriasis. Some patients with very limited psoriasis do very well with direct injections of steroid medicine. For patients with more extensive disease, treatment may include oral medications, narrowband ultraviolet therapy, or one of the new biologic agents for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (such as Enbrel, Humira, Cosentyx and Stelara). Biologics are protein-based drugs that are used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and are injected or given through infusion. Click here to learn more about psoriasis.