Services

• Acne
  • ClearLight
  • Photo Dynamic Therapy
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Pigmentation Abnormalities
  • Vitiligo
  • Melasma
• Skin Cancer
  • Types of Skin Cancer
  • Treatment Options
    • Photo Dynamic Therapy
    • 5-Fluorouracil-Efudex, Carac
    • Aldara
    • Cryosurgery
• Skin Cancer Surgery / Mohs

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin disorder affecting nearly 3 percent of the world's population. It appears as a red, thickened area with silvery scales that form most often on the scalp, elbows, knees or lower back.

Psoriasis takes many forms and each differs in severity, duration, location, shape and scale pattern. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, begins with small red bumps that gradually increase in size and then form scales. Top scales flake off easily and often, but scales below the surface stick together and often enlarge.

Raleigh Dermatology's treatment goal for psoriasis patients is to reduce inflammation and control shedding of the skin. We often prescribe medication containing cortisone compounds, synthetic vitamin D analogues, retinoids, tar or anthralin.  Light Therapy is another option available as Puva or UVB.

Raleigh Dermatology's XTRAC Excimer Laser offers the latest psoriasis treatment available and delivers fast, effective relief from dry, itchy and unsightly lesions. The XTRAC Excimer Laser works by carefully focusing a beam of light directly on the lesion, allowing the application of high doses of light to rapidly clear the lesion. Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during an XTRAC Laser session. Occasionally, patients report a warm sensation at the treatment site, similar to mild sunburn.

Individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis who have who have not experienced success with topical treatments, oral medications, injections or traditional phototherapy, should consider undergoing XTRAC Excimer Laser treatments.

The newest medical treatment for psoriasis consists of a new category of systemic medications referred to as "Biologics."  Under this category, we are commonly using Embrel, Raptiva and Humira.  these new products are given once a week by way of self-administered injections.  All of the "Biologics" products function at the immuno-cellular level, blocking the activation of inflammatory cells.