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Psoriasis

Psoriasis services offered in Huntington Beach, CA

If you’re one of the 7.5 million Americans who have itchy, scaly skin patches from psoriasis, you can find compassionate care at California Dermatology Physicians. Board-certified dermatologists Joseph Sedrak, MD, and Laura Cohen, MD, offer comprehensive skin evaluations to identify the type of psoriasis you have. They personalize a treatment plan using medications, light therapy, and other strategies to calm your skin and prevent new psoriasis flare-ups. Call the Huntington Beach, California, office to schedule a psoriasis consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune disorder that causes your skin cells to replicate at a rapid rate. This leads to a buildup of cells that form scaly patches on your skin.

The disease develops when your body mistakenly attacks its own skin cells. You may be at increased risk for psoriasis if you have a family history of the condition or other autoimmune disorders.

There are several types of psoriasis that affect different areas of your body, such as plaque psoriasis, which causes scaly skin patches; nail psoriasis, which affects the growth of fingernails and toenails; and guttate psoriasis, which can cause scaly skin growths after a strep throat infection.

California Dermatology Physicians provides comprehensive care for all types of psoriasis. The specialists offer diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans using evidence-based therapies.

When should I seek medical attention for psoriasis?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at California Dermatology Physicians if you have symptoms of psoriasis that are new or worsening. These symptoms can include:

  • Patchy skin rash
  • Silvery scales on skin
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Itchy or painful skin
  • Pitted or thickened nails

If left untreated, psoriasis symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas of your body. Having psoriasis can also increase your risk for arthritis, frequent eye infections, and Type 2 diabetes. The changes in your skin psoriasis can also contribute to depression and low self-esteem.

Your dermatologist examines your skin and nails to confirm psoriasis. They may also take a sample of your skin (biopsy) and check it under a microscope to identify the type of psoriasis you have. They customize a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and prevent new psoriasis flare-ups.

How is psoriasis treated?

Your initial treatment for psoriasis may include topical vitamin D or medications like retinoids, corticosteroids, and salicylic acids that you apply directly to your skin.

California Dermatology Physicians also provides psoriasis treatments like:

Injectable medications

When topical medications aren’t working, you may benefit from injectable steroids or other medications. To lower your risk for side effects, your provider carefully monitors your health through your treatment.

Light therapy

Light therapy involves exposing your skin to concentrated ultraviolet B (UVB) light or natural light. The light energy slows the growth of skin cells to prevent psoriasis scales.

Call California Dermatology Physicians to schedule a psoriasis consultation or book an appointment online today.