Are you frustrated because nothing you do seems to improve your psoriasis symptoms? Fortunately, your Oklahoma City, OK, dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Gawey of Gawey Dermatology, offers treatments that will relieve itching, reduce plaques and prevent flare-ups.
Treatments helpful for psoriasis
Psoriasis causes the rapid growth of skin cells due to an overactive immune system. As a result, thick, scaly red or silver patches called plaques form on your skin. The patches can form anywhere on the body but most often appear on the face, scalp, lower back, knees, palms, and elbows. Psoriasis can be inherited. If a close family member has psoriasis, you may be more likely to develop it.
In addition to causing itching and burning, psoriasis can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Whether you're bothered by the itching or don't like the way your skin looks, a visit to your Oklahoma City, OK, skin doctor will help you keep your psoriasis symptoms under control. Your dermatologist can recommend a variety of treatment options, including:
- Topical Medication: Creams, lotions, and gels that contain steroids, tazarotene, synthetic vitamin D, or salicylic acid can be helpful in relieving inflammation and redness and reducing skin cell build-up. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend using several topical medications together.
- Coal Tar Products: Coal tar shampoo or ointment reduces itching and inflammation and slows skin cell growth, reducing plaques.
- Light Therapy: Applying ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to your skin offers another way to prevent the overgrowth of skin cells and make plaques grow slower.
- Immunosuppressants: These oral or injectable medications help tame your out-of-control immune system response. Immunosuppressants are usually only used for people who have moderate to severe psoriasis, as the medications can affect your ability to fight infections if you get sick.
- Systemic Biologic Therapy: Biologics are designed to only reach the specific cells that trigger psoriasis, unlike immunosuppressants that affect your entire immune system. Your dermatologist may recommend biologics if other treatments haven't helped or have caused unpleasant side effects.
Would you like to see the skin doctor about your psoriasis symptoms? Call your dermatologist in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Gawey of Gawey Dermatology, at (405) 951-8711 to schedule your appointment.