Managing Your Psoriasis

PsoriasisManaging your psoriasis can be difficult, particularly during painful flare-ups. It is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but several highly effective treatments are available for minimizing and soothing the symptoms of a psoriasis flare-up. Moderate to severe cases of psoriasis can benefit  from treatment with biologics, which suppress overactive immune systems. Psoriasis is caused, in part, by an overactive immune system. Dr. Mark Fisher is your Rheumatologist for treatment of psoriasis in the South Jersey area.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is associated with red patches, white scales, and flaky areas on the skin. The condition is the result of an accelerated growth cycle of skin cells. New skin cells mature so quickly that the body is unable to shed them before new skin cells are produced. As skin cells begin to build up, red patches, white scales, and flakiness develop. When psoriasis flares up, it tends to affect the skin on the elbows, knees, legs and back most often, but can appear anywhere on the body. There are five types of psoriasis:

  • Plaque Psoriasis
  • Inverse Psoriasis
  • Pustular Psoriasis
  • Guttate Psoriasis
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Biologic Treatments for Psoriasis

There are a number of treatments for psoriasis, including topical ointments, light therapy, and oral medications. These methods are good for treating mild to moderate cases of psoriasis and may have very limited success. However, a stronger treatment method is needed for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis. Your Rheumatologist for treatment of psoriasis in Haddon Heights can recommend the best option for treating your psoriasis.

Biologic drugs, also referred to as biologics, are one of the most effective treatments for more serious cases of psoriasis. 

Biologics are administered by injection, either intravenously or

subcutaneously, and work by modifying the immune system, which is often overactive in patients struggling with psoriasis. These monoclonal antibodies are directed against specific inflammatory proteins causing inflammation and are the most effective treatments for psoriasis management. 
In addition, this severe inflammatory skin disease can be associated with severe arthritis as well, and all of these symptoms can be very well controlled with such medications.

The main risk for these medications is infection and the use of preventive care with vaccines can be very useful in reducing such risks.

It can be very uncomfortable and socially inhibiting when your psoriasis flares up. Your Rheumatologist can prescribe the best course of treatment for managing your psoriasis. Biologics offer extended relief for individuals with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis. The benefits and results of treatment can be very dramatic medically, personally, and socially.

For treatment of psoriasis in South Jersey, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fisher by calling the office at (856) 547-8004.