Psoriasis

Psoriasis is believed to be an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly plaques to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques or lesions, are areas of excessive skin production and inflammation. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp, genitals and nails. Psoriasis is not contagious.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy). Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

Topical treatments - medications applied to the skin - are usually the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. These medications slow down or normalize that excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation (redness) associated with psoriasis.

Dr. Brodsky is adept at prescribing the newer FDA-approved immune modulating drugs, such as Enbrel^®, Humira^® and Raptiva^®.