Prescription psoriasis treatment with an itch-free online consultation

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. It causes itchy or sore patches of red, scaly skin on the elbows, scalp, knees or back—though it can affect other areas. Additional symptoms include dry or cracked skin, joint pain or cracked, pitted nails.

Symptoms often present in cycles, worsening for a few weeks (or months) before easing up. There’s no cure for this autoimmune condition. But the right treatment can help improve symptoms—even in severe cases.

Outbreaks can occur for any reason. But some common triggers include:

• High stress levels
• Any viral or bacterial infection
• Smoking or being around secondhand smoke
• Cold, dry weather
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain medications, like high blood pressure drugs or Lithium

Types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque psoriasis: The most common form, this type affects up to 90% of those with psoriasis. The main symptom is itchy, scaly patches on the skin (called plaques) that usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp or back.
• Guttate psoriasis: Most commonly affecting young adults and children, this type is typically brought on by a bacterial infection and appears as small, drop-shaped spots on the arms, legs or torso.
• Inverse psoriasis: This type is characterized by inflamed patches of skin (without plaques) in the skin folds—usually of the breasts, groin or buttocks. It can get worse because of sweating and friction.
• Sebopsoriasis: A combination of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, sebopsoriasis usually affects the scalp and face as greasy, yellowish plaques.

An estimated 30% of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis—a condition characterized by swollen, painful joints.

In addition to the right prescription treatment, you may improve your symptoms by:

• Applying moisturizer to the skin daily
• Taking regular baths
• Avoiding scratching
• Exposing skin to a moderate amount of sunlight (too much can be damaging)
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Exercising regularly

Both skin conditions cause irritated, itchy skin. But they don’t share every symptom. Here’s what to look for:

• Eczema causes a powerful itching sensation. Psoriasis feels like burning or stinging.
• Eczema usually affects inner areas like skin folds, arm creases, or behind the knees. Psoriasis often appears on outer areas like the scalp or elbows.
• Psoriasis is characterized by red, raised patches with thicker skin than eczema.

Treatments include a range of topical creams, lotions, ointments, foams and shampoos. They can come as several medication classes including corticosteroids, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors and vitamin D analogs. But all help restrict excess skin cell growth, reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

Dr. B offers medications including Triderm (Triamcinolone Acetonide), Vtama (Ttapinarof), Zoryve (Roflumilast) and Dovonex (Calcipotriene).

Side effects vary by medication. But some common side effects include:

• Burning or itching of the skin
• Skin flaking
• Body aches
• Headaches

These symptoms are typically mild and diminish over time. Talk to your medical provider if symptoms don’t improve or get worse.

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for psoriasis costs $15, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescription at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.