Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic scaly rash, often affecting the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, and feet. Psoriasis may be unsightly and uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for affected patients to develop associated arthritis (psoriatic arthritis). The dermatologists at Puyallup Dermatology Clinic treat many patients with psoriasis ranging from mild to severe. They will use the safest, most effective therapy available to control your psoriasis.
Common therapies include a variety of potent topical creams and ointments, phototherapy with narrow band UVB (ultraviolet light B), oral systemic agents such as methotrexate and Otezla, and injectable biologic agents.
Phototherapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. This light occurs naturally as a component of sunlight and is called ultraviolet light. Puyallup Dermatology recommends home light therapy using narrow band ultraviolet wavelength B (UVB-NB). UVB-NB has been shown to be the optimal part of the UV light spectrum which slows growth of psoriasis lesions. The treatments are taken 2 to 3 times per week, beginning with treatments a few seconds long, and increasing to several minutes over time. We work with your insurance company to have the cost of home unit covered.
Our dermatologists also use biologic agents to treat the most severe and resistant forms of psoriasis. These effective therapies are given as injections at home or in our office.
If you have psoriasis, call and make an appointment today to start on the path to markedly improved control of this chronic disorder.