Psoriasis Treatment in Philadelphia

Dr. Margo Weishar is an award-winning board-certified dermatologist who understands the impact that psoriasis may have on her patients’ quality of life in Philly. This immune-mediated disease increases the risks of other health conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, and therefore treatment is essential.

What Causes Psoriasis?

An overactive immune system causes the skin cells to go into overdrive and grow much faster than normal skin. This rapid skin cell growth results in flaky thick itchy patches of skin – psoriasis. The exact cause of the skin condition remains unknown and it can affect any part of the body. Symptoms usually occur between the ages of 15 – 25, even though they can develop at any age, and affects all skin types.

Risk Factors and Triggers

Some people have a genetic predisposition where the genes responsible for the immune system are different and send confusing signals that promote inflammation instead of healing. In addition, the following may trigger psoriasis:

Natural sunlight can worsen the condition for some people
Dry weather conditions can worsen psoriasis symptoms
Some medications can make it worse, such as lithium, beta-blockers, and indomethacin
Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy
Alcohol and smoking
Skin injuries
Obesity
Stress

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed

A board-certified dermatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, nails, and hair. Dr. Margo Weishar can diagnose psoriasis by examining your skin, nails, and hair. She may also remove a bit of skin to examine under a microscope. A detailed medical history and questions related to your symptoms will also be asked during the consultation.

Type of Psoriasis

Guttate – appears on the arms, legs, and abdominal area and presents as inflamed red spots.
Pustular – often appears on the hands and feet and looks like painful pus-filled bumps.
Plaque – presents as red or silver-white scales on the body, and often appears on the scalp, knees, and elbows.
Inverse – this type is found in the skin folds, armpits, groin, and breast area. It is smooth and shiny in appearance.
Erythrodermic – while rare, this type of psoriasis can be life-threatening. It causes severe itching, changes in heart rate and temperature, and large areas of skin are shed.

Treatment Options

Each patient is unique, thus your psoriasis treatment plan will be unique to you based on the type, area affected, severity, and impact on your quality of life. This chronic skin condition may be treated in a number of different ways, including:

Phototherapy helps slow the growth of skin cells, reduce inflammation and give the skin time to heal.
Topical medication to apply to the affected area, such as corticosteroids.
Oral medications such as methotrexate and retinoids.
Injectable medications such as biologics.

Why Choose Springhouse Dermatology for Psoriasis Treatment

Dr. Margo Weishar integrates cosmetic and medical dermatology to help her patients look and feel good in their skin.

She has dedicated more than 25 years to understanding the science behind conditions affecting the skin and the aging process.

Her ivy-league education, passion, and dedication – combined with her experience, make her a go-to dermatologist for people throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

Book your appointment with Dr. Weishar, an award-winning board-certified dermatologist, and improve your quality of life with psoriasis in Montgomery and Bucks County.