Psoriasis can be itchy, painful, visible, and frustrating—especially when plaques involve the scalp, folds, hands, feet, nails, or joints.
We look at how much skin is involved, where it is, your symptoms, joint complaints, and what has or has not worked before.
Treatment can range from topical therapy and phototherapy to targeted oral medicines and biologics.
Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
What does psoriasis look like?
Classic plaque psoriasis causes well-defined scaly plaques, but appearance can vary significantly by skin tone and body site. Psoriasis can also affect folds, palms and soles, scalp, nails, or appear as smaller guttate lesions.
Is psoriasis only a skin disease?
No. Some patients develop psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis is associated with broader inflammatory and metabolic health considerations. Joint pain, morning stiffness, swollen fingers or toes, or persistent tendon pain should be discussed with your clinician.
How is psoriasis treated?
Options include topical medications, narrowband UVB phototherapy, oral systemic medications, and modern treatments including biologic therapies. Treatment choice depends on body surface area, location, symptoms, joint disease, prior treatment, medical history, and patient preference.
Phototherapy
Whole-body narrowband UVB is available in Syosset and Bellerose, and Excimer laser treatment for selected localized areas is available at all three locations. Learn more about phototherapy, including whole-body narrowband UVB and Excimer laser treatment.
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.