Psoriasis is among the most common and frustrating skin conditions for both adults and children in the US. According to statistics collected by the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis currently impacts nearly 8 million Americans. And a big part of this frustration is how stubborn and persistent psoriasis symptoms (scaly, flaky, and itchy skin, inflamed rashes, joint pain, and more) can be. While there may be no medical cure for psoriasis, there are several effective treatment methods available that can help manage and minimize its effects. Our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants wanted to answer a few commonly asked questions about how psoriasis can be treated.

Question #1: How can I know which type of psoriasis treatment is right for me?

Since there are many different types of psoriasis treatments available, we understand that it can be overwhelming for some patients to know which might be best for them. Here in our office (and at our designated Psoriasis Center), we thoroughly examine each patient in order to make the most accurate and helpful diagnosis and treatment recommendation possible. We take several factors into account including the type and severity of psoriasis, where it appears on the body, other preexisting medical conditions the patient has, and more.

Question #2: Which treatments can help address psoriasis of the fingernails or toenails?

Many patients don’t realize that psoriasis can affect the appearance and health of their nails as well. Common symptoms of nail psoriasis include small dents in the nails, yellow or brown discoloration, crumbling nails, and more. In these cases, we may recommend topical treatments that can be applied to the nails for more mild cases. If unsuccessful, there are also laser treatments, injectable steroids, or biologic medicines that can be very helpful.

Question #3: When is it ok to stop my psoriasis treatment after starting?

This depends on the type of treatment we’re talking about, as well as the results that you have achieved. Psoriasis can be unpredictable and flare-ups can emerge unexpectedly after periods of essentially clear skin. This is why continuing to treat psoriasis during these periods can keep your skin looking good and prevent these surprise setbacks. It’s very important to always speak with your dermatologist or physician assistant before stopping any medication or other psoriasis treatment.

Our experts treat patients with psoriasis every day, and work hard to develop the most helpful treatment plan for every patient we see. For more information on psoriasis and our available treatment methods, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.