Light therapy usually takes place in a hospital or a special center, and a person may need two to three sessions a week for it to be effective. Doctors often prescribe light therapy in combination with some topical treatments. Light therapy can be beneficial for people with: nail psoriasis psoriasis on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet scalp psoriasis thick plaques large areas of psoriasis Different types of light therapy are available, including: Ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy. UVB therapy requires a person to stand in a light box and receive a dose of invisible light. Laser treatment. A doctor delivers high doses of light directly to the affected areas of a person's skin. Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). For this treatment, a person either takes a psoralen tablet or soaks in a bath containing psoralen. This chemical makes the skin more sensitive to UV light. At-home treatment. The individual uses a light box or handheld device at home. Light therapy is a good option for people who cannot use other forms of psoriasis treatment.
Inverse psoriasis causes smooth, red patches that form in areas where the skin folds, such as around the genitals, breasts, and armpits. Friction and sweating can make these patches worse. Pustular psoriasis is a rarer form of psoriasis that causes small, fluid-filled blisters, known as pustules, to develop on the skin. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that affects most of a person's body. It causes red, scaly skin, and some people experience intense itching or burning. This type of psoriasis requires immediate treatment. Many different treatments are available for people with a psoriatic rash. The choice of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the rash. Different people respond to different medications, and some people may require a combination of treatments. Treatment options for a psoriatic rash include: Topical medications Doctors usually recommend topical treatments for mild or moderate psoriasis. These may include the following: Emollients are non-cosmetic moisturizers that help protect the skin and reduce dryness, itching, and scaling.
These dermatologists' tips can bring relief. Poison ivy alert You can get a rash from poison ivy any time of the year. If you think you've touched a plant, acting quickly may prevent a rash. Cosmetic treatments Your safety Age spots & dark marks Cellulite & fat removal Scars & stretch marks Wrinkles Younger-looking skin Laser hair removal You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? Scar treatment If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Botox It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren't permanent. Here's how long botox tends to last. Parents & kids Childhood conditions Teach healthy habits Kids' camp Lesson plans For parents For kids Surviving acne Having acne can feel devastating for a teenager. Here are 5 things you can do to help your teen. Prevent hand-foot-and-mouth disease It's contagious, but you can reduce your child's risk of catching it. Find out what helps. Scabies? Treat everyone!
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that forms thick, red, bumpy patches covered with silvery scales. They can pop up anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis can't be passed from person to person. It does sometimes happen in members of the same family. It usually appears in early adulthood. For most people, it affects just a few areas. In severe cases, it can cover large parts of the body. The rashes can heal and then come back throughout a person's life. Symptoms Psoriasis starts as small, red bumps, which grow bigger and form scales. The skin appears thick but may bleed easily if you pick or rub off the scales. Rashes may itch and skin may become cracked and painful. Nails may form pits, thicken, crack and become loose. How Do I Know If I Have Psoriasis? If you have a rash that isn't healing, see your doctor. Causes No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but experts believe that it's a combination of things. Something wrong with the immune system causes inflammation, triggering new skin cells to form too quickly.
Topical steroids vary in strength, and stronger topical steroids require a prescription. These creams and ointments work by reducing inflammation and slowing skin cell growth. Vitamin-D analogs work by slowing skin cell growth, and they can help remove scales and flatten thick plaques. Doctors often prescribe these in combination with topical steroids. Topical retinoids are a synthetic form of vitamin A, and doctors often prescribe them in combination with topical steroids. Retinoids help slow skin cell growth, decrease scaling, and reduce thick skin patches. Women who are pregnant should avoid retinoids. Coal tar comes in the form of shampoos, foams, and ointments, which are available over the counter. These medications can help reduce itching and scales. Calcineurin inhibitors include tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream. Doctors sometimes prescribe these medications to treat psoriasis, particularly plaque psoriasis on the face or inverse psoriasis. Light therapy Also known as phototherapy, light therapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat a person's skin.
If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. Public health programs Skin cancer awareness Free skin cancer screenings Shade Structure grants Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! ™ Awareness campaigns Flyers & posters Together, we're raising funds to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of skin cancer. Join the AAD virtually as we hike across the country. Kids' camp - Camp Discovery A chronic skin condition can make attending summer camp unrealistic for some children. Camp Discovery changes that. Find a dermatologist What is a dermatologist? Why choose a board-certified dermatologist? How to select a dermatologist Telemedicine appointments Prior authorization Dermatologists team up to improve patient care Find a Dermatologist You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that's right for you. Here's what dermatologists are doing to keep you safe during the coronavirus pandemic.