Dermatology & Surgery Center > General Dermatology > Psoriasis & Related Conditions

Psoriasis & Related Conditions

Papulosquamous diseases cause papules (or plaques) and scaling of the skin in men and women of all age. Psoriasis is the most common of this group, and the most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp and nails. (Learn more about nail diseases). Other common conditions in this category include seborrheic dermatitis and pitiriasis rosea.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused by overactive T cells in the immune system that trigger increased production of skin cells. These extra skin cells collect on the surface of the skin and form red, raised, scaly patches. Psoriasis is not contagious but it may be hereditary. Lesions may be itchy and painful, and the psychological effects of the disease can be severe.

Psoriasis is extra skin cells that collect on the surface and form red, raised, scaly patches

Treatment
While there is no known cure for psoriasis, a wide array of treatment options can usually lead alleviate the symptoms. Your Trillium Creek Dermatology Medical Professional will formulate a multi-faceted treatment plan depending on the variety, severity and longevity of your condition. Treatments include topical lotions, ointments or shampoos; ultraviolet light therapy using both UVA and UVB; and system-wide medications including biologicals aimed at controlling T cell production.

Advanced New Psoriasis Treatment Now Available
Trillium Creek is pleased to offer one of the most exciting new developments in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis: XTRAC® targeted excimer laser phototherapy.

XTRAC® uses a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through a sophisticated liquid light guide delivery system. Because it concentrates light on active lesions, XTRAC® delivers high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without risk of damage to healthy skin.

Most treatment sessions last only a few minutes — in fact, less than five minutes. Individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain relief in just four to ten brief treatment sessions. Patients may see some results after just one treatment.

Each case is unique, but many psoriasis sufferers who have experienced XTRAC® treatment have found that relief usually lasts for several months and can last up to six months or more. Often remissions will last as long as with conventional phototherapy, but with fewer treatments per year to remain free of symptoms.

Treatment begins with the physician determining the patient’s optimum starting dosage level. Then the XTRAC® hand piece is moved over the affected area, applying laser light at the determined dose. Depending on the area to be treated, this only takes a few minutes. Generally, there is no pain during treatment. After treatments, a mild sunburn-type reaction is often experienced at the treated areas.

Due to its “site-specific” targeting, the XTRAC® system can be used successfully on hard-to-treat areas of the body such as elbows, knees, and even the scalp without any concern for harming the hair.

Many psoriasis sufferers who have experienced the benefits of the XTRAC® treatment can’t stop raving about the results. After just a few short laser treatments, they’re experiencing relief—many for the first time in years! Call 330.725.0569 for your appointment today.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff or Cradle Cap)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common condition that causes waxy, yellowish, scaly patches to form on oily areas of the skin such as the scalp, eyelids, ears and in the folds around the nose. In adults it is called dandruff, while in infants it often called Cradle Cap. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious but it may be hereditary.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common condition that causes waxy, yellowish, scaly patches

Treatment
Your Trillium Creek Dermatology Medical Professional will perform a thorough examination of the affected area to ensure that other conditions are not present. Treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis are numerous, including shampoos such as Trillium Creek Tar Shampoo, topical steroids and antifungal preparations.

Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a scaly, itchy, reddish-pink rash that is common in children and young adults and usually occurs in the Spring and Fall seasons. An outbreak of pityriasis rosea is often accompanied by cold symptoms, and the first lesion (or “herald patch”) appears most often on the back or stomach, followed by a general outbreak on the lower abdomen. Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and lasts approximately 1 to 3 months.

Pityriasis Rosea is a scaly, itchy, reddish-pink rash often accompanied by cold symptoms

Treatment
Your Trillium Creek Dermatology Medical Professional can provide antihistamines to alleviate itching, as well as steriod creams and other topical preparations to treat the outbreak. Pityriasis rosea generally clears up completely, without scarring and without recurring.

Other Trillium Creek Service Areas:
Mohs Skin Cancer Center 330.721.9990
Ohio Holistic Medicine (OHM) 330.721.9990
The Boutique at Trillium Creek 330.722.5477