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Psoriasis
There are many treatments available for psoriasis, and more are being discovered through ongoing research. Our doctors will help to identify the best treatment for you based on your type of psoriasis, its severity, the area affected and other complications you may have.
Dr. Tausk administers treatment
using an excimer laser
- Topical treatments are applied directly to your skin. These are typically used in mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. Topicals can help soothe and moisturize skin, reduce inflammation and slow the production of excess skin cells associated with psoriasis.
- Phototherapy has long been recognized as an effective therapy for psoriasis. This treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light may be performed in special phototherapy units two to three times per week until your skin clears.
- Excimer laser is another kind of phototherapy. It is used to treat only those areas of your skin that are affected by psoriasis, leaving other areas untouched. Since laser light is more concentrated, you may often see results after fewer treatments.
- Systemic agents are medications taken orally or by injection. They are used to treat more severe cases of psoriasis, or when topicals and phototherapy have not proven effective. Since these medications often have severe side effects, they are generally used for shorter periods of time and accompanied by ongoing blood tests.
- Biologic agents are medications that are produced using recombinant technology. They are designed to inhibit a specific molecule such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), of a specific cell type, such as B or T cells.
- Nutrition can often be an important factor in treating psoriasis. Obviously, there are many factors involved, since people's diets vary considerably. Furthermore, what works for one person may not work for another. By working with our nutritionist, we can help identify the approach that provides the best results for you.
Psoriatic Arthritis
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include both over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. These work by controlling inflammation in order to decrease the joint pain and stiffness caused by psoriatic arthritis.
- Intra-articular steroids are injected into the joint space or tendon.
- Physical therapy can aid in relieving the pain and swelling associated with psoriatic arthritis, while helping to maximize joint mobility.
- Systemic agents are taken orally or injected. They are used in more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis. As with systemic agents used in the treatment of psoriasis, ongoing blood tests are needed to help identify and avoid side effects.
- Biologic agents are genetically engineered to target a very specific part of the immune system. Since they don't affect the entire immune system, biologic agents may not have as many side effects.
Where We're Located
University Dermatology Associates
400 Red Creek Drive
Suite 200
Rochester, NY 14623
Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
