Psoriasis Specialist

Dr. Rachel R. Kushner Dermatology

Dermatologists located in Franklin Square, NY & Farmingdale, NY

Psoriasis is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition that can cover large areas of the body. Approximately 7.5 million Americans suffer a form of this condition, and if you’re among them, Dr. Rachel R. Kushner Dermatology in Farmingdale and Franklin Square, New York, can help. The practice offers effective management of the unsightly and uncomfortable scaly patches associated with the condition. Call the location nearest you or schedule online to learn more about psoriasis and successful management.

Psoriasis Q & A

What is psoriasis?

Patches of reddened skin topped with white, flaky scales characterize psoriasis. Psoriasis commonly appears on the:

  • Knees
  • Torso
  • Elbows

These are the most common places, but the skin condition can show up anywhere. In mild cases of psoriasis, just 3% of your body is affected. Moderate psoriasis involves 3-10% of your body, and severe psoriasis covers more than 10%.

Why do people develop psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an abnormality of skin cell production. When your skin produces new cells at an accelerated rate, you develop the associated lesions.

Usually, your skin sheds old skin cells and produces new skin cells every 30 days or so. When you have psoriasis, this process occurs at a rate of 3-4 days. Your body can’t shed old skin cells this quickly, so the new cells pile up on the old ones, creating the plaques.

Why some people develop this autoimmune disorder isn’t fully understood.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Some people have a very mild case of psoriasis and don’t even realize they have it. Others have severe symptoms that disrupt their quality of life. When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Silver scaly patches
  • Red, inflamed areas of skin
  • Small, red spots
  • Dry skin that can crack and bleed
  • Nails that separate from the nail bed or develop pits
  • Itching and sore skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Dr. Rachel R. Kushner Dermatology for evaluation and diagnosis.

How do dermatologists treat psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that has no cure. However, you can manage symptoms and flare-ups, so you experience less disruption in your quality of life. Each area psoriasis affects may require a different treatment, depending on the sensitivity of the skin.

Dr. Rachel R. Kushner Dermatology recommends you avoid direct sun exposure and take baths in specialized salts for day-to-day minimization of symptoms.

You may also require prescription creams to treat the plaques and ease any itching or redness. Specialized light therapy can also help some cases of psoriasis. In severe cases, you may receive injectable and oral medications. These pharmaceutical treatments do have side effects, so your provider monitors your health and blood work regularly if you are on them.

For more information about psoriasis treatment, call Dr. Rachel R. Kushner Dermatology or book an appointment online.