Psoriasis Specialist

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology > Our Services > Psoriasis

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology

Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Forest Hills, NY

It’s estimated that more than 8 million Americans have psoriasis. Though there’s no cure, with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of psoriasis and manage flare-ups. At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, the team of medical dermatologists provides complete psoriasis care to people of all ages. Call the office today or click the online booking feature to make an appointment at the practice.

Psoriasis Q & A

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. It’s characterized by red, scaly patches that develop on your knees, elbows, torso, and/or scalp. Anyone can experience psoriasis, but it tends to run in families. As a result, you’re more likely to develop psoriasis if your parents or siblings have it.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

If you have psoriasis, symptoms often come and go. For example, you might feel pretty good for a few months and then experience a flare-up that lasts several weeks.

When should I see a dermatologist about psoriasis?

Make an appointment with the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team if you regularly experience red, flaky, or itchy skin and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments.

That’s especially true if your skin is painful, makes you feel self-conscious, or interferes with your ability to go to work and do other routine tasks.

What causes psoriasis?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes psoriasis, but your immune system probably plays a role. For example, people with plaque psoriasis –– the most common kind –– have skin that regenerates faster than normal. This rapid turnover of cells results in patches of red, irritated skin.

Experts don’t know why psoriasis affects the immune system, but they believe genetics and environmental factors contribute.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms to diagnose psoriasis. They want to know when your symptoms started and if things like being stressed make them worse.

Next, your provider examines your skin, nails, and scalp. They might also collect a small sample of skin cells and look at them under a microscope for further analysis. This can confirm which kind of psoriasis you have and rule out other potential conditions.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treating psoriasis depends on many things, including how severe your symptoms are, what kind of psoriasis you have, and the disease’s effect on your quality of life. Adult and Pediatric Dermatology might recommend:

Topical corticosteroids
Vitamin D analogs
Retinoids
Calcineurin inhibitors (drugs that reduce inflammation and plaque buildup)
Salicylic acid (reduces scaling)
Coal tar (reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation)
Light therapy
Oral or injected steroids

Psoriasis treatment works to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and prevents your skin cells from multiplying so rapidly.

To learn more about treatments for psoriasis, make an appointment at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology today by calling the office or using the online booking feature.