Incredible MarketingPsoriasis is a non-contagious, immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or the joints.
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, patches of skin called “lesions” become inflamed and are covered by silvery white scale. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however, for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild. About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic [sore-ee-AA-tic] arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.
There are five types of psoriasis.
Plaque: Most common form of the disease
Guttate: Appears as small red spots on the skin
Inverse: Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds
Pustular: White blisters surrounded by red skin
Erythrodermic: Intense redness over large areas
Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body.
Scalp psoriasis
Genital psoriasis
On the face – Around eyes, ears, mouth and nose
On the hands and feet
Psoriasis of the nails
Skin folds
Dr. Ting is the medical director of the phototherapy center and is a local thought leader of psoriasis treatment. He tailors his recommendation based on the quality of life, preference, and priorities of his psoriasis patients. His treatment armentarium consists of state-of-the-art topical medication, NBUVB phototherapy, systemic agents, and biologics agents such as Humira, Enbrel, and Stelara.
NARROW-BAND ULTRAVIOLET B PHOTOTHERAPY
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor’s office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency.
Narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy is the state of the art phototherapy emitting 311-311nm of wavelengths. It offers best combination of efficacy and safety. Its efficacy is much superior to the older broad-band UVB phototherapy and rivals that of PUVA therapy with much less risk of skin malignancy. Dr. Ting typically starts a NBUVB phototherapy protocol three times a week and slowly tapers the frequency as the symptoms improve.
NBUVB Phototherapy provides optimal treatment of all steroid-responsive dermatosis including psoriasis, eczema, persistent itching, hives, and vitiligo. In particular, NBUVB phototherapy allows for much quicker control of resistant dermatosis such as lichen planus, pityriasis lichenodis chronica, pregnancy-related dermatosis, etc.
What is the Excimer Laser?
Excimer Laser is an exciting new treatment for psoriasis, designed to provide fast, effective relief from dry, itchy and unsightly psoriasis lesions. Using a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through an advanced technology light guide device, the Excimer Laser system can treat psoriasis lesions quickly and effectively. Excimer Laser concentrates the light only on the psoriasis lesion, allowing the physician to deliver high doses necessary for rapid clearing while minimizing exposure of healthy skin.
Excimer Laser Offers Many Benefits
With the Excimer Laser, treatment is fast, effective and targeted right to the spot of the problem without unnecessarily treating the surrounding healthy skin. Some of the benefits include:
– Excimer Laser delivers a carefully focused beam of light only on the psoriasis affected area without exposing healthy skin to UVB rays, unlike conventional phototherapy which exposes the whole body to ultraviolet light.
– Excimer Laser can be used successfully on hard to treat areas such as elbows, knees, and scalp, as well as other areas requiring treatment.
– Excimer Laser has none of the drawbacks often associated with other psoriasis treatments—such as premature aging of healthy skin, skin thinning or resistance to medication.
– Excimer Laser treatments enable patients to enjoy fast, safe, convenient, effective relief from the unsightly and troublesome symptoms of psoriasis.
– Excimer Laser treatments deliver results in just a few, quick, easy sessions.
*Patient education matters to us. The information on this page has been reviewed by the board-certified dermatologists of California Dermatology Care. If you have any questions about our procedures or treatments, please get in touch with us today.