joel schlessinger md - faq psoriasis

Joel Schlessinger, MD

SKIN CONCERN: PSORIASIS

To schedule an appointment call 402-334-7546, or to shop the recommended products in this presentation call 402-697-1100 or visit www.LovelySkin.com/psoriasis

Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?


Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition that causes skin to become inflamed, creating thick, red patches of skin, sometimes covered with silvery plaques of skin. Most patches occur on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back but they can occur in other areas such as the hands and feet. Here, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains the basics of psoriasis, offers patients advice for symptoms and recommends the best products for them.

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells grow too rapidly, causing the skin to build up on the body. The following are some of the symptoms of psoriasis and you should talk to a dermatologist if you experience any of them. 1. Bright red areas of raised patches on the skin that can bleed when scraped. 2. Patches of skin that are covered with loose, white or silvery scales. 3. Patches are itchy, especially during flare ups (periods when symptoms are worse). 4. Joint swelling, tenderness or pain.

How do I know if I have psoriasis?


What should I do if I have psoriasis?


While psoriasis is often a recurring skin condition, there are several treatments that allow a person to live comfortably with the condition. Family history, infections, age and race can all influence your likelihood of developing psoriasis. A dermatologist such as Dr. Joel Schlessinger can diagnose psoriasis and determine which type you have with an examination. Different types of treatments, such as home remedies, skin products or medications can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, depending on the individual case.

Medications for psoriasis


While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are medications, both topical (applied directly to the skin) and oral, that can help control the symptoms of psoriasis. Depending on the severity of the case, doctors may choose to start patients on topical treatments before prescription treatments or vice versa. Both types of treatment have been shown to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and you should talk to a dermatologist before beginning any psoriasis treatments.

Treatments for psoriasis


Doctors can also treat psoriasis with the use of medical light therapy. Dr. Joel Schlessinger offers

two types of medical light therapy, UVB therapy and PUVA therapy. UVB therapy involves exposing

the skin to one type of ultraviolet light which slows down the skin cell growth process so less

skin cells accumulate over time. During PUVA therapy, a patient is given psoralen, a medicine

that makes skin more sensitive to UVA light, then they are exposed to UVA light which works to

clear the symptoms of psoriasis.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is a natural way to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis for many people. Exercising can be painful, however, because psoriasis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. Once patients find a treatment that works for them, they should begin exercising to further improve their well-being and keep the symptoms of psoriasis in check. Dr. Joel Schlessinger comments on the benefits of exercise and the improvements patients with psoriasis receive.

Living with Psoriasis


“We see a complete psychological improvement in many of our patients as they get better. It is one of the most gratifying things that I see as a dermatologist.”

-Dr. Joel Schlessinger

There are certain medications that can worsen psoriasis symptoms in some people so patients with psoriasis should know the ingredients in their medicines. Ingredients such as lithium and beta-blockers and even medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can worsen symptoms of psoriasis and should be avoided. Patients should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake because these exacerbate the symptoms.





Keeping your skin hydrated is the best way to combat psoriasis symptoms. Along with consistently using a lotion or moisturizer, taking baths periodically can help control psoriasis symptoms. Soaking in warm water will help soften and remove excess skin cells. Add natural healing ingredients such as Epsom salts or mineral oils for added moisture and relief. Immediately following the bath, apply lotion to lock in the moisture.

Psoriasis causes a patient’s skin to become irritated easily so patients should avoid skin care and beauty products that contain harsh ingredients. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends looking for products that do not contain irritants such as dyes or preservatives. Natural ingredients are the best because they are gentler and it is less likely that your skin will react negatively to them.



Patients with psoriasis must be especially careful about sun exposure. While small amounts of sun exposure can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, overexposure damages the skin, making symptoms worse. Sunburns can cause flare ups of psoriasis so an effective sun protectant is important. Use a sunscreen like EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 which contains no chemicals and has a lightweight feel to it.



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There are several topical products that reduce the symptoms of psoriasis in patients. For treatment of dry patches, use FixMySkin Healing Body Balm Unscented with 1% Hydrocortisone, created by Dr. Joel Schlessinger and his son Daniel. This treatment uses hydrocortisone to penetrate the skin and offer healing to dry, itchy areas of skin. The healing balm effectively hydrates irritated skin and heals even the roughest of skin patches.


Topical Solutions for Psoriasis




For a potent solution to relieve the symptoms and appearance of psoriasis patches, use NeoStrata Psorent Psoriasis Topical Solution. This treatment relieves itching, scaling, flaking, redness and irritations that are caused by psoriasis. This solution can also help prevent the recurrence of psoriasis symptoms.






For patients with psoriasis, exfoliation is critical because it removes excess skin and helps reduce the appearance of flaky patches. Epionce Lytic Plus TX Retexturizing Lotion works to remove dead skin cells while soothing irritated skin. The salicylic acid in this lotion effectively removes dead skin cells to allow for skin renewal. With continued use of this products, patients with psoriasis will notice smoother and softer skin with less flare ups.


Dr. Joel Schlessinger notes that there are also products that specifically treat patches of skin for fast results. For spot treatment of psoriasis patches, use Avene Akerat S Psoriasis Skin Cream. All of the Avene products are formulated to soothe and heal irritated skin and this treatment contains a high concentration of ingredients to heal patches that are the result of psoriasis. This treatment will restore and retexturize dry, rough patches for smoother and softer skin.




For patients with psoriasis, starting with the right cleanser is key to retaining moisture in the skin. Cleansing the body with a gentle, soothing soap such as the Noble Formula Bar Soap is beneficial because it treats dry and flaky skin with soothing ingredients like oatmeal. For the face, Pro + Therapy MD Skin Balancing Cleanser has a pH balanced formula which helps maintain skin’s moisture balance while calming and healing skin.

Cleansers for Psoriasis




Dr. Joel Schlessinger notes that hydration is one of the biggest concerns among patients with psoriasis. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is formulated to increase the skin’s ability to hold moisture so patients can get relief all day. Other lotions can soothe dry skin and promote healing in patients with psoriasis. Topix Urix 40 Urea Cream is made with 40% urea so it deeply treats extremely dry or rough skin with the strength of a prescription treatment.

Lotions for Psoriasis




Makeup for Psoriasis


Breathable makeup is a must for psoriasis patients. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, is the most breathable foundation on the market and offers complete coverage for dry, red or patchy skin. Products with natural ingredients are another good choice for patients with psoriasis. Eminence Organic Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 is a lightweight powder makeup that won’t feel heavy on the skin.

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joel schlessinger md - faq psoriasis

Health & Medicine

psoriasis skin concern

thebasics of psoriasis

canworsen psoriasis

ofthe symptoms of psoriasis

skin products

tothe skin

skin hydrated

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