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Psoriasis Specialist

West Derm Center -  - Dermatology

West Derm Center

Dermatology located in Bronx, NY, White Plains, NY, New Rochelle, NY & Yonkers, NY

Psoriasis is often itchy and painful, but many people find its impact on their appearance is worse than their symptoms. The team at West Derm Center includes psoriasis specialists like Shira Wieder, MD, who trained with one of the leading psoriasis experts in the world, and Henry Yu, PA-C. They offer customized treatment and innovative therapies like the Pharos™ excimer laser that clears away psoriasis. To learn more about your treatment options, book online or call one of the offices in White Plains, New Rochelle, and Yonkers, New York, or one of their Bronx clinics in Pelham Gardens and Riverdale.

Psoriasis Q & A

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis develops when skin cells grow more rapidly than normal. As a result, they build up on the skin’s surface, creating patches of scaly skin and other lesions. Though psoriasis can begin at any age, even in young children, it usually appears for the first time between the ages of 20-30. Late-onset psoriasis may appear between the ages of 50-60.

What symptoms develop due to psoriasis?

Psoriasis often flares up in response to triggers such as stress, dry or cold weather, or a skin injury such as a scratch or bug bite. There are five different types of psoriasis and each has its own symptoms.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, the most common type, causes raised, red patches covered with scales or a buildup of dry, dead skin cells. The plaques most often appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back, where they’re painful, itchy, and can crack and bleed.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis, the second most common type, causes small red lesions. This form of psoriasis often begins in childhood or adolescence and may be triggered by a strep infection.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis causes red, inflamed lesions in body folds, such as under your arm, behind the knee, or in the groin.

Pustular psoriasis

As its name implies, this type of psoriasis causes white pustules or blisters of pus surrounded by red skin.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread redness over most of your body. It can cause severe itching and pain, and may lead to serious complications.

How do dermatologists treat psoriasis?

Shira Wider, MD, trained with one of the leading dermatologists in the world for psoriasis treatment, so patients at West Derm Center can trust in her expertise, You’ll receive customized treatment based on the type of psoriasis and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment may include:

Topical medications

A variety of topical medications are available to reduce inflammation and itching, and control skin cell growth and shedding. Moisturizers can also relieve itching, dryness, and scaling.

Phototherapy

While several types of light therapy, including blue light therapy, improve psoriasis, the team at West Derm Center offers one of the most effective options, the Pharos excimer laser. The Pharos delivers a therapeutic beam of ultraviolet B (UVB) light that’s adjusted to target only the areas of psoriasis. A series of laser treatments clear away your psoriasis.

Oral medications

Your doctor at West Derm Center may prescribe oral medications, but they’re typically reserved for severe cases because many of these medications can cause side effects.

Don’t wait to seek professional care for your psoriasis. Schedule an appointment by calling the West Derm Center office that’s most convenient or book a consultation online today.

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