Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C. has been treating severe cases of psoriasis at our Psoriasis Day Care Center since 1976. This intensive, ambulatory day care center for skin diseases first opened in Morton, IL and then moved to 4909 N. Glen Park Place in Peoria.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common disease that affects 1 to 3 percent of the world’s population, the cause of which is unknown. It is apparent that heredity is of major significance and different family members may have it. Psoriasis occurs with equal frequency in both sexes but seldom is found in children under the age of five. It makes its first appearance in later childhood and adolescence and reaches peak incidence during young adulthood. This disease is not infectious or contagious. The psoriatic lesion is a red plaque covered by loosely adherent, silvery scales. Acute lesions tend to be small and tear-shaped. In normal skin, the cells grow every 28 days, and in psoriatic skin every 4 days; thus growing faster and piling up. Itching and burning may be present. It is a chronic condition that, at times, can be difficult to treat. No permanent cure has been found.
Treatment Options
A. Bath oil and lubricating cream such as Vanicream prevent water in the skin from evaporating. They improve the appearance and help control the itching produced by dry skin.
B. Topical steroids (cortisone) in creams, ointments, and lotions can help to reduce psoriasis and eliminate the redness and itching.
C. Biologicals: There are new medications that are available that are given by pill, shot, or IV injection that reduce the effects of the lymphocitic T-cells on different aspects of psoriasis plaque development. These agents are called biologicals and have been approved by the FDA over the past several years for inclusion in the treatment programs for psoriasis. The approved medications are currently available at the Psoriasis Daycare Center in the Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C.
D. When psoriasis effects the scalp, special prescription and nonprescription solutions, shampoos, and tar treatments may be prescribed. If severe, scalp hydrotherapy can help cleanse and gently rid the scalp of unwanted scales and plaque.
E. Light therapy, such as UVB and UVA, is offered for stubborn psoriatic areas on the body. Effective doses of light, given by medically supervised nurses, are safe and proven treatments for psoriasis.
F. Oral medications may also be used for stubborn or severe cases. Patients are followed closely for any side effects with these treatments.
Soriatane: A new oral medication in the retinoid family that has a short half-life, meaning it is more rapidly excreted from the body and is not stored in the body fat. This enables it to be used as an alternative therapy for women of childbearing age. Alcohol should not be ingested during therapy, and a pregnancy prevention program is advised for women taking Soriatane. Patients are followed closely while taking Soriatane.
G. Goeckerman Therapy – Psoriasis Day Care Center also offers a very unique treatment, requiring no oral medication, called Goeckerman Therapy. Introduced in 1925 at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Goeckerman, this safe and effective therapy involves a regimen of combining coal tar and UVB light. Coal tar is applied to the psoriatic patches of the skin and left on for two hours. A UVB light treatment is then given, followed by a lubricating bath and application of creams. This unique therapy saves patients thousands of dollars by being administered in the Psoriasis Day Care Center rather than at a hospital and is considered safe for both children and adults.
H. PUVA Bath – Another weapon used in fighting psoriasis is PUVA (Phototherapy light treatment), which has helped thousands of patients. Some people suffer nausea from the psoralen pill that needs to be taken before PUVA treatments or simply do not like taking oral medication. Others dislike having to protect their eyes and skin until the medication is out of their system. Studies now show that these problems can be avoided by adding psoralen to bath water. Soaking in the water for 30 minutes before exposure to the UVA light is now an alternative to ingesting the psoralen pill. Unfortunately, this form of therapy is not available everywhere. Few dermatology practices are set up to provide baths for these severe cases of psoriasis. It is an option available only at Psoriasis Day Care Centers or treatment centers. At Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C., there are two full-sized bathtubs available in comfortable, private rooms.
The advantages to this therapy include: immediate light treatment after the bath as opposed to waiting 1-2 hours for the oral medication to take effect; not having to wear sunglasses for 24 hours following ingestion of the medication; and not suffering the nausea or headaches that some patients develop. Also, exposure time to the light is shorter since the medication is directly on the skin, therefore decreasing the accumulation of lifetime UVA rays and chances of skin cancer later in life.
All PUVA therapy is administered under direct supervision of a caring staff and dermatology nurse specialist experienced in phototherapy. PUVA hand and foot treatments are also available.
Unfortunately psoriasis can flare up again after these treatments, and a repeat of therapy may be necessary. Often a combination of these treatments is required for clinical success. Consequently, any effective and safe topical agent is a welcome addition to the therapy regimen.
XTRAC Laser Therapy
The new Xtrac Laser for psoriasis and vitiligo is available at Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C. This is the first FDA approved laser treatment for psoriasis and vitiligo and delivers UVB energy specifically to the lesion site via fiber optics. It is a cool laser so there is no pain or anesthesia needed. The XTRAC laser can deliver high exposure doses of light necessary for rapid clearing without the risk of damage to healthy skin. Patients with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain relief in just four to ten brief treatment sessions. Some insurance companies are covering this treatment for psoriasis as well as for vitiligo.
Narrow Band UVB
Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C., is currently the only facility in Central Illinois that has a Narrow Band UVB Light Machine. This treatment is effective in clearing many skin conditions such as psoriasis, itching and atopic dermatitis without the use of oral medications. Psoriatic plaques are less scaly and begin to flatten after just 2 to 3 treatments. The Narrow Band UVB Hand and Foot machine is also available at our facility for stubborn psoriasis and dermatitis on the hands and feet.
Monthly Support Group and Annual Meeting
In addition to providing the most current treatments available for psoriasis, the Day Care Center also provides an educational meeting and dinner each year, free to the public.
Since psoriasis can have a significant effect on self-esteem, self-image, and even a person’s identity, these support group meetings have been very popular. Because of this popularity and the need for a support group, Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C. hosts monthly meetings the third Monday of each month to provide continued education and encouragement for people suffering from this chronic disease. For more information call Jacki at (309) 674-SKIN.
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