When technology and tailored treatment meet, you get effective relief for psoriasis in Rockville MD

It’s estimated 2 to 3 percent of the world’s population live with psoriasis. But, there is relief from the burning, itching, and inflammation: effective and tailored treatment for psoriasis in Rockville, MD at the state-of-the-art Washington Dermatology Center.

Medications

Mild to moderate psoriasis may be improved with topical medications that reduce inflammation and scaling, relieve itching, and slow cell growth. Washington Dermatology Center’s skilled clinical team use their experience and knowledge to customize a treatment plan that works, while minimizing the risks of side effects such as skin color changes.

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, several biologics are approved for treatment. These drugs alter the immune system, are usually injectable, and may be an option should other therapies fail (or for those with psoriatic arthritis).

Some drugs may be combined. Also, products can lose effectiveness over time. Likewise, those that haven’t worked in the past can become effective as time passes. You may cycle through different options.

Therapies

You may be familiar with the use of lasers in other medical settings or light-based dermatological therapies to remove unwanted hair or brown “age” spots.

The energy from ultraviolet light is also directed toward those thick, silvery scales and itchy red patches, which are caused by the rapid build-up of cells on the skin’s surface. Generally, light is safely delivered in a controlled fashion and for a set amount of time. As light penetrates tissue, it slows the growth of affected cells when administered consistently. These treatments may reduce the need for medications to manage symptoms over the long term.

Washington Dermatology Center uses narrow-band ultraviolet B. This smaller range of UV light is generally associated with faster clearing, longer remissions, and fewer weekly treatments than broad-band UVB.

Lasers are often used for smaller or hard-to-treat areas such as the scalp, skin folds, hands and feet. For full-body treatment,  both our centers also have an onsite walk-in light box.

The importance of proper diagnosis

Identifying an effective course of treatment comes down to understanding your skin and condition; for instance, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, ringworm, and pityriasis rosea are also common skin conditions whose symptoms may be confused with psoriasis and can even occur at the same time as psoriasis flare-ups.

Call 855-314-1424 to schedule your personalized consultation at the Rockville office.