Treating Your Psoriasis

PsoriasisHave over-the-counter creams and ointments failed to help your psoriasis? Your Peoria, AZ, dermatologist, Dr. Vernon Mackey, offer treatments that may offer real relief.

Topical medications

Prescription medications can be helpful if your psoriasis doesn't improve after using drugstore products. Your Peoria skin doctor can prescribe a variety of prescription-strength medications that relieve itching and redness and reduce the formation of unattractive scales. Retinoids, the same medications used to treat acne and minimize signs of aging, can also decrease inflammation caused by psoriasis. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to control itching, swelling and redness and also slow cell turnover, improving the appearance of your skin.

Your dermatologist might also recommend a vitamin D cream that flattens lesions, slows skin growth and relieves itching, or may prescribe Anthralin, a medication that makes your skin smoother and also slows cell turnover and growth. If unsightly scales are an issue, salicylic acid can be used to prevent or reduce scale formation and increase shedding of the scales. Topical medications may be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Phototherapy

Exposure to Ultraviolet A (UVA) or Ultraviolet B (UVB) lights may also decrease inflammation and scaling and decrease cell turnover time. Light treatment can be helpful whether you have small patches of psoriasis or your plaques occur over a large area. In some cases, UVA or UVB treatment may be combined with a light-sensitive medication or coal tar. Excimer laser treatment may also be beneficial in decreasing inflammation and scales. Laser beams only target areas of your skin affected by psoriasis and don't damage healthy skin.

Injected and oral medications

If these treatments don't adequately control your skin condition, your dermatologist may recommend injected or oral medications, including biologics, methotrexate, cyclosporine, or acitretin. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions precisely when taking these medications, as they can cause serious side effects in some people. Although the medications can be very helpful, you may not notice a change in your psoriasis for a few months.

Don't let psoriasis control your life! Call your Peoria, AZ, dermatologist, Dr. Vernon Mackey, at (623) 977-6700 to schedule an appointment.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Hours of Operation

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Hours of Operation

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed