Psoriasis Treatment & Phototherapy in Mount Kisco, NY

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects more than 8 million people in the United States. This inflammatory condition often causes red, scaly, plaque-covered skin due to the rapid buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Normally, the body sheds old skin cells gradually. However, psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply faster than the body can naturally remove them. As a result, thick plaques, scaling, redness, itching, and skin irritation may develop on different areas of the body.

Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, many patients successfully manage symptoms with lifestyle changes, medical psoriasis treatments, and phototherapy. In addition, long-term skin care management may help reduce flare-ups and support healthier skin.

At The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY, our dermatology team provides personalized psoriasis treatment plans designed to reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and support long-term psoriasis management for patients throughout Westchester County.

Lifestyle Changes That May Help Improve Psoriasis Symptoms

Lifestyle habits may significantly affect psoriasis severity, inflammation levels, immune system activity, and flare frequency. Therefore, healthy lifestyle changes may help improve overall skin health while supporting long-term psoriasis management.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is strongly associated with psoriasis flare-ups and may worsen symptom severity. In addition, tobacco use may interfere with psoriasis treatments, making inflammation, plaques, and itching more difficult to control.

Smoking may also increase the risk of additional autoimmune diseases and other long-term health conditions. As a result, quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products may help reduce psoriasis flare frequency and support healthier skin.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Because psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, alcohol consumption may worsen inflammation and contribute to more frequent or severe psoriasis flare-ups.

Furthermore, alcohol may interfere with certain psoriasis medications and increase the risk of treatment-related complications. Reducing alcohol intake may help improve long-term symptom management.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet may help reduce inflammation and improve overall wellness in patients with psoriasis. Instead of restrictive fad diets, many patients benefit from limiting processed foods and excess sugar while focusing on nutrient-rich foods.

For example, Mediterranean-style diets and anti-inflammatory foods may support healthier skin and improved immune system regulation.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, support joint mobility, and lower the risk of complications such as psoriatic arthritis.

Additionally, exercise may help reduce stress, which is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.

Phototherapy for Psoriasis

Phototherapy is a non-invasive psoriasis treatment that uses controlled ultraviolet (UV) light exposure to help slow excessive skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, and improve psoriasis symptoms. In some cases, this treatment may also be referred to as light box therapy.

Phototherapy is commonly recommended for plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, and widespread psoriasis that may not fully respond to topical medications alone.

According to WebMD, therapeutic light therapy uses controlled exposure to specific wavelengths of light for medical treatment purposes. In dermatology, phototherapy is commonly used to help manage inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Benefits of Phototherapy for Psoriasis

• May reduce psoriasis plaques and scaling
• Helps slow excessive skin cell turnover
• May improve itching and inflammation
• Non-invasive psoriasis treatment option
• Often combined with topical medications
• May improve widespread psoriasis symptoms
• Treatment sessions are typically quick and well tolerated

Conditions Commonly Treated with Phototherapy

• Plaque psoriasis
• Scalp psoriasis
• Chronic psoriasis flare-ups
• Widespread psoriasis
• Inflammatory skin conditions

Phototherapy treatment schedules vary depending on psoriasis severity, skin type, affected areas, and treatment goals. Some patients benefit from regularly scheduled phototherapy sessions for ongoing symptom control and long-term psoriasis management.

Advanced Psoriasis Treatment Options

Mild psoriasis symptoms may sometimes improve with topical creams, moisturizers, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications alone.

However, patients with more severe psoriasis may benefit from advanced treatment options including systemic medications, biologic therapies, or phototherapy.

Treatment recommendations depend on psoriasis severity, symptom frequency, affected body areas, previous treatment response, and overall health history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis & Phototherapy

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and rapid skin cell buildup, leading to scaling, redness, itching, plaques, and irritated skin.

What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?

Common psoriasis triggers may include stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, illness, skin injury, inflammation, certain medications, and environmental factors.

Does phototherapy help psoriasis?

Phototherapy is commonly used to help improve plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, and widespread psoriasis symptoms by slowing excessive skin cell growth and reducing inflammation.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact.

Can lifestyle changes improve psoriasis?

Healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise may help reduce inflammation and support long-term psoriasis management.

What is phototherapy for psoriasis?

Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet light exposure to help reduce inflammation, itching, scaling, and excessive skin cell production associated with psoriasis. This treatment is sometimes called light box therapy.

Psoriasis Treatment in Mount Kisco, NY

The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery provides psoriasis treatment, phototherapy, medical dermatology care, and light therapy services for patients throughout Mount Kisco, Bedford, Chappaqua, Armonk, Katonah, Pleasantville, and Westchester County.

Learn more about psoriasis treatment options and long-term psoriasis management by contacting our Mount Kisco dermatology office or scheduling an appointment online.