Alert !
We are NOT contracted providers of Covered California plans, Mirrored plans of Covered California, Narrow Network Plans or HMO insurance plans. Please contact our office for more information at (619) 462-1670.
Skin. It's What We Do. TM
8860 Center Drive, Ste 300, La Mesa, CA 91942 Directions

La Mesa, CA dermatologist explains when psoriasis treatments are needed

Dr. Christopher Crosby at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic explains when psoriasis treatments are needed.

An estimated 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Although it is more prevalent in adults, psoriasis spans all ages. About 40 percent of those who live with this chronic skin condition also experience psoriatic arthritis – joint pain and inflammation. As an experienced Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Christopher Crosby is often asked if psoriasis treatments are necessary. He offers this advice for patients in the La Mesa, CA area. 

Understanding psoriasis 

Psoriasis occurs from a fault in the immune system, causing skin cells to grow too rapidly. Instead of taking weeks to develop, they mature in days. Since the body cannot shed this overpopulation of skin cells quickly enough, they collect at the surface in patches. Plaques of thickened cells look silver-ish, and surrounding skin may be dry, cracked, red, or oozing.

 

There are additional forms of this condition, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. 

Can psoriasis go away on its own? 

This is a genetic disorder, and not contagious. Flare-ups may be triggered by:

  • Trauma to the skin.
  • Cold, dry weather.
  • Stress.
  • Illness, infection, and certain medications.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Smoking.

Psoriasis can temporarily clear on its own, but it is not curable. Professional treatment is essential to avoid permanent damage to joints and reduce risk of secondary infection from scratching or picking at plaques. Most importantly, effective psoriasis treatments restore self-confidence.

Reliable care for clearer skin

The team at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic in La Mesa, CA is committed to providing current treatment modalities to help you achieve clearer skin. The doctor may recommend topical medications to relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and slow cellular turnover.

 

Phototherapy is very effective in more severe cases. A plant-based light-sensitizing formulation (psoralen) is applied. Then plaques are treated with a special UVA light. Some cases respond well to broadband UVB or narrow band UVB light therapies, without the use of psoralen. Excimer laser treatment helps to control scaling and inflammation.

 

Great advances have also been made in oral medications and biologics (which alter the immune system).

 

You don’t have to live with uncomfortable symptoms or anxiety about flare-ups. Call (619) 462-1670 to schedule an appointment at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic.

 

Back To Home Page

Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic and Skin Cancer Treatment Center Staff

Grossmont Dermatology is committed to providing patients with excellent quality skin treatments to help them preserve their youth. They use the latest technologies and treatment modalities to provide patients with the most effective services suiting their individual needs.

The team of professionals at the practice comprise:

  • Paul B. Dean, MD, MPH, FAAD – Specializes in general dermatology, mole and lesion removal, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and skin cancer treatments.
  • Maki Christine Goskowicz, MD, FAAD – Expertise includes general, cosmetic and laser dermatology, and skin cancer surgery and Botox treatments.
  • Christopher Crosby, MD, PhD, FAAD - Specialist in Mohs surgery and reconstructive dermatologic surgery for skin cancers.
  • Shinko Lin, MD – Specializes in general, cosmetic and laser dermatology, skin cancer treatments, and PDT.
  • Sam Khalifian, MD – Specializes in adult and pediatric autoimmune connective tissue disease, skin cancer and melanoma treatments, hair loss disorders, and cosmetics.
  • Helene Jolly, PA-C, MPAP – Performs cosmetic dermatology, acne and skin rash treatments, and mole removal among other tasks.
  • Kira A. Tellache, PA-C – Performs general dermatology including acne and skin rashes as well as cosmetic dermatology and mole removal.

skincare products san diego
Sign up to Stay in Touch!
care credit dermatology san diego
We accept Care Credit™, an affordable option for patients who are in need of medical care and need assistance with paying for that care.