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Psoriasis

Jun 5, 2022 | Conditions

Close up photo of a microneedling treatment done on the forehead of a patient

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.

Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while.

Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications.

Common Cause of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes skin cells to grow faster than usual. In the most common type of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells results in dry, scaly patches.

Common Psoriasis Triggers:

  • Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
  • Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
  • Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
  • Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure drugs and antimalarial drugs
  • Rapid withdrawal of oral or injected corticosteroids

How to treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medications.

Topical Therapy

  • Corticosteroids
  • Vitamin D analogues – Synthetic forms of vitamin D — such as calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) and calcitriol (Vectical)
  • Retinoids. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others) is available as a gel or cream
  • Calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin inhibitors — such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
  • Salicylic acid
  • Coal Tar
  • Anthralin. Anthralin is a tar cream that slows skin cell growth.

Light Therapy

  • Sunlight
  • Goeckerman therapy – an approach that combines coal tar treatment with light therapy is called the Goeckerman therapy
  • UVB broadband / narrowband
  • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) – this treatment involves taking a light-sensitizing medication (psoralen) before exposing the affected skin to UVA light
  • Excimer laser – with this form of light therapy, a strong UVB light targets only the affected skin

Oral or Injected medications

  • Steroids
  • Retinoids. Acitretin and other retinoids are pills used to reduce the production of skin cells
  • Biologics. These drugs, usually administered by injection, alter the immune system in a way that disrupts the disease cycle and improves symptoms and signs of disease within weeks.
    Examples are apremilast (Otezla), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz), guselkumab (Tremfya), tildrakizumab (Ilumya) and certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • Methotrexate
  • Cyclosporine
  • Other medications. Thioguanine (Tabloid) and hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea) are medications that can be used when you can’t take other drugs.

Book your appointment 

At Stratica, we emphasize a rejuvenated and confident you. We want to find a personalized approach to your skin goals and emphasize your desired results. Book your free consultation today to discuss with one of our expert providers to learn how filler treatments fit into your aesthetic goals. 

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Before your appointment, it is advised to adhere to the following pre-treatment guidelines: 

  • Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks prior to your treatment
  • Avoid the use of active ingredients one week prior (such as retinoids, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or kojic acid) 
  • Avoid abrasive scrubs or exfoliants for 2 weeks prior
  • Avoid cosmetic injections such as Botox, Dysport, or Filler 2 weeks prior 

To maximize results, we recommend discontinuing the following substances at least 3 days before your treatment: 

  • Isotretinoin / Accutane or Epuris
  • Aspirin / ASA
  • Ibuprofen / Advil
  • Naproxen / Aleve
  • Antibiotics
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Vitamin-E
  • Alcohol
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Green Tea extract
  • Omega 3- Fatty acids
Is there any downtime or aftercare?

Post-treatment, the area may feel like a sunburn with slight redness, tightness, dryness, and sensitivity to touch, which is considered normal healing. 

Peeling may occur 3-7 days after treatment, it is advised to not rub, scratch, or pick at the treated area. 

A follow-up appointment with your service provider is essential two weeks after your initial session.

After the appointment, refrain from touching, rubbing, or manipulating the injection areas unless instructed by your physician or nurse injector. Avoid exposure to extreme heat (sun, saunas, hot yoga, tanning beds) and strenuous activities for 2-3 days post-appointment. Refrain from applying makeup for at least 24 hours. Showers are permitted, but gently cleanse the area then pat dry. Do not rub with a towel or washcloth as the area is extremely delicate.

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