Psoriasis is one of the most common skin conditions in the country, affecting more than 7.5 million people in America alone. Red patches and flakey white scales along the skin characterize this condition. Psoriasis most commonly manifests symptoms on the elbows, knees, and trunk, with flare-ups usually commencing anytime between ages 15 and 35. While psoriasis is a chronic condition, the right treatment can keep symptoms under control. Feinstein Dermatology provides full-spectrum psoriasis care to the Delray Beach, FL area.

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Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a genetic disease and can occur in five distinct forms. The different types of psoriasis include:

  • Plaque Psoriasis. This term denotes about 80 percent of all psoriasis cases. It usually presents with red lesions topped by white scales, and often appears on the elbows, knees, back, and scalp.**
  • Guttate Psoriasis. Most common among children and young adults, this type of psoriasis appears as small red dots, usually on the limbs or the trunk. An external event, such as a skin injury or a strep throat infection, often triggers this condition.
  • Inverse Psoriasis. Smooth, shiny red lesions characterize inverse psoriasis, which occurs in armpits, groin areas, breasts, and skin folds near the buttocks or genitals.
  • Pustular Psoriasis. This type of psoriasis presents with white pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin. It may be localized or spread throughout the whole body, brought on by stress, infections, or irritating topical treatments.
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis. The most inflamed form of psoriasis, this type manifests as fiery red skin covering large areas of the body. Common triggers include pneumonia, extreme sunburns, and infections.

Treatments

The first step toward an effective psoriasis treatment is to receive a diagnosis from our board-certified dermatology team. After evaluating your symptoms and determining your psoriasis type, we recommend a custom treatment plan.

Various treatments are available for psoriasis:

  • Over-the-counter medications, including anti-itch preparations, bath solutions, and moisturizers.
  • Prescription topical treatments, including topical and/or oral medications.
  • Lifestyle interventions focused on avoiding triggers and minimizing the risk of flare-ups.

XTRAC for Psoriasis

XTRAC is the only FDA-cleared, clinically proven excimer laser that clears the skin of psoriasis—and it works fast, with many patients seeing significant improvement and long-lasting remissions. Because XTRAC delivers a highly targeted, therapeutic beam of UVB light only to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis, healthy skin surrounding the lesions stays that way.

XTRAC clears the symptoms, prolongs the remission, and returns skin to a clinically healthy state in record time. All of this means XTRAC delivers consistently predictable results, so patients experience more good days of living than bad. Effective treatment generally reduces symptoms in 10-12 treatment sessions.

Benefits

  • Long-lasting relief—typically several months free of symptoms
  • Simple, painless treatment—sessions are very short
  • Relief without messy creams and daily skin care regimen
  • Covered by most major insurance companies, available by Rx

While there is no cure for psoriasis, you can manage and control its symptoms throughout your lifetime, restoring your comfort and confidence.


Meet Our Board-Certified Dermatology Team

At Feinstein Dermatology in Delray Beach, FL, our commitment is patient satisfaction and loyalty. We are defining the new standard in customer experience and outcomes, striving to lead by example for others to follow. With a dedicated patient base of over thirty-five thousand (35,000) individuals who have entrusted us with their dermatological and cosmetic needs, we have earned our reputation as a leading provider in the field.

Our team comprises dedicated professionals, including board-certified dermatologists, a board-certified Mohs surgeon, and a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. We invite you to experience the exceptional care and dedication that defines Feinstein Dermatology.

LEADERS IN DERMATOLOGY & COSMETICS

Meet Your Providers

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Brian Feinstein, D.O., FAAD

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Thomas Cahn, M.D., FAAD

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Lawrence Enisman, M.D., FACS

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Meredith Hancock, M.D., FAAD

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Richard Levine, M.D., FAAD

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Robb Wilentz, M.D.

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Nathalie Allison-Fecteau, PA-C

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Nicole Fernandez

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Psoriasis FAQs

Psoriasis is a genetic disease (it runs in families), but is not contagious. There is no known cure or method of prevention. In normal skin, skin cells live for about 28 days and then are shed from the outermost layer of the skin. With psoriasis, the immune system sends a faulty signal, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. Skin cells mature in a matter of 3 to 6 days. The pace is so rapid that the body is unable to shed the dead cells, and patches of raised red skin covered by scaly, white flakes form on the skin. Treatment aims to minimize the symptoms and speed healing.

Psoriasis occurring on the scalp does not respond well to therapeutic UVB lamps because the hair acts as a shield. XTRAC allows your doctor to separate the hair manually while directing the light beam to affected areas. This simple technique has achieved excellent results with treatment times.

The effectiveness of topical treatments for psoriasis can vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. However, some commonly prescribed topical medications that are considered effective for managing psoriasis symptoms include:

  • Anthralin, used to reduce the growth of skin cells associated with plaque.
  • Calcipotriene, that slows cell growth, flattens lesions and removes scales. It is also used to treat psoriasis of the scalp and nails.
  • Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate. In addition to slowing down cell growth, flattening lesions and removing scales, this treatment helps reduce the itch and inflammation associated with psoriasis.
  • Calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D3 that helps control excessive skin cell production.
  • Tazarotene, a topical retinoid used to slow cell growth.
  • Topical steroids, the most commonly prescribed medication for treating psoriasis. Topical steroids fight inflammation and reduce the swelling and redness of lesions.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies may help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. These include maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress levels, avoiding triggers (e.g., certain medications, alcohol, smoking), moisturizing the skin regularly, practicing good skincare habits, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.


Feel Good About Your Skin

At Feinstein Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we’re more than just skincare experts in the heart of the Palm Beaches – we’re your partners in feeling good about your skin, for life. Our commitment is to help you embrace your skin’s natural beauty and maintain a healthy, confident glow. We understand that your skin reflects your well-being, and we’re dedicated to making you feel comfortable in your own skin. Don’t wait to take that first step towards your skincare journey – schedule a consultation for psoriasis treatment at our office in Delray Beach, FL today at (561) 498-4407, and let us be the dermatologists who are there for you, every step of the way.