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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affects about 2 percent of the US population, or as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis most often appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and torso but can develop anywhere. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, or painful, inflamed, stiff joints.

Impact of Psoriasis on Quality of Life

Individuals with psoriasis may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Psoriasis of the hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations. Many people with psoriasis feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image. The psychological distress can lead to significant depression, alcoholism, and social isolation.

Treatment of Psoriasis

There is no cure for psoriasis, but many different treatments, both topical and systemic, can help clear psoriasis.

Topical Therapy

First line treatment for psoriasis.

  • Salicylic acid – helps remove scale and is often combined with topical steroids.
  • Steroids – reduce inflammation and are effective in controlling mild to moderate psoriasis; potential side effects include thinning of the skin.
  • Dovonex (calcipotriene) – a form of synthetic vitamin D3. Taclonex contains both calcipotriene and a potent steroid in one product.
  • Tazorac – a vitamin A derivative that works to normalize skin turnover. Can be irritating.

Light Therapy

Sunlight, ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) phototherapy can all be helpful in psoriasis. The multiple treatment schedule can be inconvenient, however, and sunlight and PUVA are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.

Systemic Treatment

Appropriate for more severe psoriasis.

  • Methotrexate – slows cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. Can be effective for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but long-term use can cause liver damage.
  • Soriatane – mechanism of action is unknown, but in general retinoids help control how cells multiply. Because of the risk of birth defects, not used in women of child-bearing potential.
  • Cyclosporine – slows cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. Acts quickly, but long-term use may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure.
  • Biologics – an exciting new group of drugs. Biologics work by blocking the action of certain immune cells that play a role in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Because biologics have a more targeted impact on the immune system, they are potentially a safer option than older drugs. Biologics approved for moderate to severe psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis include Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Raptiva, and Remicade.

News & Events

5.21.2010
VISIA Seeing is Believing!
There are thousands of skin care products and treatments on the market, but how do you know which products truly work?  Our new Visia System takes the guesswork out of your skincare program by providing an objective analysis of your skin.  Visia measures eight areas that affect your skin’s health and appearance, such as pigmentation, [...]
10.16.2009
Experience Our New Facility!
New Location, New Look We have put the finishing touches on our new office in Lone Tree.  From fresh flowers to award-winning artwork, from cutting-edge technology to outstanding providers, we feel that we have the premiere skin care practice in Denver.  We invite you to visit our office and share in the experience.

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4.29.2010 SmartSkin™ CO2 (DOT) Laser
After more than a year of performing fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, we continue to be blown away by the results.  Results are simply stunning.   Patients keep returning, asking us to treat all over their body, including the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.  This is an ideal treatment for sun damage, brown spots, wrinkles, [...]