Psoriasis is a noncontagious common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Some people have such mild psoriasis (small, faint dry skin patches) that they may not even suspect that they have a medical skin condition. Others have very severe psoriasis where virtually their entire body is fully covered with thick, red, scaly skin.
Psoriasis is considered a non-curable, long-term (chronic) skin condition. It has a variable course, periodically improving and worsening. Sometimes psoriasis may clear for years and stay in remission. Some people have worsening of their symptoms in the colder winter months. Many people report improvement in warmer months, climates, or with increased sunlight exposure.
Psoriasis is seen worldwide in all races / sexes and affects about 8 million people in the US. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, most commonly patients are first diagnosed in their early adult years. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which your skin cells replicate every three days instead of every 30. Both Dr. Martin and Dr. Cole Claiborne have extensive experience in treating all manners of psoriasis. We are one of a few practices in the greater New Orleans area to offer full body narrow band ultraviolet B (nbUVB) phototherapy as a non-immunosuppressive treatment option for plaque psoriasis. For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, we can use highly effective advanced therapies (often called “biologics”) to calm down the overactive immune system responsible for this disease.
There are three main types of biologic medications (from oldest to newest):
Anti-TNFs (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, Cimzia)
Anti-IL17s (Cosentyx, Taltz, or Siliq)
Depending on your medical history and treatment goals, Dr. Claiborne may choose any one of these products for you to get the best results. For more information visit the National Psoriasis Foundation website here
We have offices conveniently located in Chalmette, Uptown, and Elmwood. Call today to schedule your appointment at 504-895-4339 anytime between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, complete the short form below to have our staff contact you when we re-open.