New Psoriasis Treatment Memphis Dermatologist:

George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (09/06/2023)

Psoriasis Treatments are showing increasing promise for controlling breakouts — Memphis Dermatologist George Woodbury Jr. M.D.

Psoriasis is a sensitive skin condition of the skin and connective tissue of about 3% of the population, with dry often sore, or itchy skin rash, with the scalp, elbows, knees, and sometimes the entire body, which in 1/3 of cases can also settle into the joints, causing Psoriatic Arthritis. Though the root cause of Psoriasis is still being investigated, the good news in 2023 is that there is much new Psoriasis Treatment leading to quicker resolution. Let’s take a look at some of the options, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist since 1993, with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018 (1-901-753-0168; www.Rheumderm.com/dermatology).

Psoriasis treatment offers many new avenues of therapy — Psoriasis produces sore or itchy bumps on the backs of the elbows and hands

Sometimes, if Dermatologists like myself are unsure of whether an eruption is Psoriasis or another condition like Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), we do skin testing – which can include a skin excision or biopsy - to get the help of a Dermatopathologist. We sometimes take a special immunofluorescence biopsy to check for Lupus in the skin. Sometimes, a test called a fungal culture is helpful. Sometimes we do Allergy Patch Testing, a type of Skin Allergy Testing looking for certain trigger chemicals for flares of Psoriasis, including preservatives or fragrances, dyes, or metals like nickel and cobalt.

Steroid ointment must be applied cautiously to avoid skin thinning — Psoriasis treatment can involve topical steorid creams and ointments

For many years, Dermatologists like myself have treated Psoriasis with one or more prescription topical (meaning for use “on top of” the skin) steroid creams or ointments. While these medicines do not cure Psoriasis, they can be remarkably effective in reducing the rash, itching, and tendency to infection. Such treatment can include prescription Triamcinolone Cream and Clobetasol Cream, and newer Steroid-free topical Psoriasis Treatments include Vtama® Cream (Tapinarof Cream) and Zoryve® Cream (roflumiast).

Steroid cream can give relief from both itch and rash of Psoriasis — Patient applying steroid cream to her hands

Psoriasis Treatment for more severe eruptions can involve Methotexate tablets and injections, Acitretin capsules (Soriatane®), Cyclosporine (Neoral®), or even Phototherapy, using a series of exposures to Ultraviolet light, including Narrow UVB treatments, and sometimes treatments with laser therapy.

Psoriasis treatment can go all the way from topical prescriptions to systemic therapy — Dr. Woodbury discussing moisturizers with a patient

Newer Psoriasis treatment used by Dermatologists like myself, include a course of one of more than ten injectable immune-response biologic medications, including tumor necrosis factor blockers Remicade® (infliximab), Enbrel® (etanercept), Humira® (adalimumab), and Cimzia® (certolizumab); IL 12-23 inhibitor Stelara® (ustekizumab); IL-23 inhibitors Tremfya® (guselkumab), Ilumya® (tildrakizumab), and Skyrizi® (risankizumab); and IL-17 inhibitors Cosentyx® (secukinumab), Taltz® (ixekizumab), and Siliq® (brodalumab).

Better sleep patterns allow people with Psoriasis to function better overall — Psoriasis relief tends to improve sleep patterns

Dermatologists also consider for Psoriasis treatment two new prescription tablets: PDE4 inhibitor Otezla® (apremilast) and an oral tyrosine kinase (TYK2) medication– Sotyktu® (deucravacitinib).

Glycolic Acid allows an Antiwrinkle Cream effect — GlycoShea Hand&Body Lotion combines Alpha Hydroxy Acid with Shea Butter

Dermatologists have known for many years that moisturizers tend to help the rash of psoriasis. Traditional options have included Eucerin Cream or Lotion, Cetaphil, Cerave, Aveeno, and even Vaseline. Having practiced as a Dermatologist for over 25 years, I myself became President of Big River Silk Skincare in 2016, manufacturing exfoliating moisturizers including GlycoShea™ Hand&Body Lotion and Cream, and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Lotion and Cream, with Alpha Hydroxy Acid Glycolic Acid blended with Refined Shea Butter into an antiwrinkle cream. Check us out at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (1-01-753-0168).

GlycoShea's Hypoallergenic properties means no added perfume or fragrance-free — GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is an Exfoliating Moisturizer

So, if you or a family member suffer from what may be Psoriasis, consider seeing a Board-certified Dermatologist. My own Memphis Dermatology practice – with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates PC – has been since 1993 at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018 (a suburb of Memphis, TN, near Germantown, Arlington, and Bartlett, TN, as well as Southaven, MS and Olive Branch, MS). Or you can find a Dermatologist closer to you by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.