Psoriasis Specialist
-
- Tweet
Skinworks Dermatology
Dermatology located in Maspeth, NY, Park Slope, NY & New York, NY
Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease affecting around 7.5 million adults in America, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Internist and skilled dermatologist Javier Zelaya, MD, works with a group of experienced skin care specialists offering effective solutions for psoriasis at Skinworks Dermatology in Maspeth, Chelsea, and South Slope, Brooklyn. Don’t just deal with psoriasis when there are successful ways to manage and control your skin condition. Start with your personal consultation with Skinworks Dermatology by calling the office or booking an appointment online.
Psoriasis Q & A
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin by accelerating the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to accumulate rapidly on the surface of your skin. The excess skin cells form scales and red patches that can be painful, itchy, and unsightly.
Psoriasis is a pervasive chronic skin condition that usually comes and goes.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis symptoms vary, and there are different types of psoriasis: scalp, plaque, nail, inverse, guttate, and pustular.
The most common symptoms of psoriasis are:
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Pitted, ridged, or thickened nails
- Cracked and dry skin that might bleed
- Red patches with silvery scales
Small scaling spots are typically seen in children.
What causes psoriasis?
The cause of psoriasis isn’t clear. Many experts believe it might be associated with a problem or malfunction with the immune system, T-cells, and other white blood cells in your body. T-cells usually travel through your body and help protect you against foreign substances like viruses or bacteria.
When you have psoriasis, the T-cells mistakenly attack your healthy skin cells as if they’re trying to heal a wound or fight an infection. T-cells that are overactive can spike an increased production of more T-cells, healthy skin cells, and other white blood cells.
Both environmental and genetic factors are said to play a role in causing or worsening psoriasis, such as:
- Genetics
- Infections
- Chronic stress
- Injury to the skin
- Certain medications
- Vitamin D deficiency
Excess alcohol consumption and tobacco use can worsen psoriasis or induce a flare-up.
What are the treatments for psoriasis?
Dr. Javier Zelaya usually diagnoses psoriasis with a medical history, physical exam, and a skin biopsy, if necessary.
Dr. Zelaya might recommend a number of treatment methods to help manage your psoriasis and prevent or reduce flare-ups, such as:
- Light therapy with gentle ultraviolet light
- Topical creams, such as moisturizers, retinoids, corticosteroids, and salicylic acid
- Oral and systemic injections and medications, such as biologics, cyclosporine, and methotrexate
- Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress management, and a nutrient-dense healthy diet
When treating psoriasis, the goal is usually is to stop or slow the cells from growing so rapidly and decrease inflammation.
Lifestyle measures can also help to diminish your symptoms, such as:
- Taking daily baths
- Managing stress
- Exercising frequently
- Moisturizing regularly
- Avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol use
- Consuming nutrient-dense foods
- Exposing your skin to safe amounts of sunlight
Feel comfortable, proud, and happy in your own skin and call the Skinworks Dermatology office or book an appointment online to manage your psoriasis.
