Psoriasis Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
At Rixis Dermatology, we understand how challenging psoriasis can be for individuals of all ages. Our dermatology team, including board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stephanie Fabbro and Thomas Cieslewicz, MPAP, PA-C, specializes in individualized psoriasis treatment plans designed to address your specific skin concerns. Serving Columbus and Central Ohio, we’re committed to helping you achieve clearer, more comfortable skin.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin condition that presents with well-defined, red plaques and silvery scale. It can affect the scalp, elbows, knees, trunk, nails, and more. Triggers may include infections (especially strep), stress, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and skin injury. Psoriasis is also linked with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis and increased cardiometabolic risk, so thoughtful, whole-patient care matters.
Our Approach to Psoriasis Treatment
At Rixis Dermatology in Columbus, Ohio, we offer comprehensive psoriasis care tailored to your skin type, severity, and lifestyle. Treatment options include:
Topical Medications: Traditional medications including corticosteroids (various potencies), vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriol), calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), or keratolytics (salicylic acid, urea) for scale, or newer medications like tapinarof or roflumilast creams.
Oral Therapies: Traditional orals including methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, apremilast (PDE-4), or newer oral agents including TYK2 inhibitors.
Systemic Biologic Therapies: Including TNF-α, IL-17, IL-12/23, and IL-23 pathways. Choice depends on disease pattern, comorbidities, and preferences.
Lifestyle & Education: Guidance on trigger management (stress, infection, medication review, smoking/alcohol) and healthy-weight strategies, which may improve control and overall health risk.
Why Choose Rixis Dermatology?
Expert Care: Extensive experience in diagnosing and managing all types of psoriasis.
Whole Patient Focus: Tailored to your specific symptoms and skin type, as well as related conditions like psoriatic arthritis.
Advanced Therapies: Access to the latest psoriasis treatments.
Patient Education and Prevention: Empowering you with knowledge to control symptoms.
Schedule Your Psoriasis Consultation Today
Take the first step toward calmer skin. Contact Rixis Dermatology to schedule your psoriasis consultation.
Learn More About Psoriasis
For a deeper understanding of psoriasis, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options, visit our Psoriasis Education Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread by skin contact, towels, pools, or sharing personal items.
What are common psoriasis triggers?
Flare-ups can be set off by stress, illness (especially strep throat), skin injury or friction, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and significant sunburns.
How do I know if I have psoriasis or eczema?
Psoriasis typically shows well-defined, reddish plaques with silvery scale; eczema often looks drier and itchier with less-defined borders. A dermatology exam in Columbus can confirm the diagnosis.
Can psoriasis affect nails or joints?
Yes. Nail changes (pitting, lifting, discoloration) are common, and some patients develop psoriatic arthritis with joint pain or stiffness. Early evaluation helps guide treatment.
What psoriasis treatments are available?
Options include topical medications (steroids, vitamin D analogs, non-steroid creams), phototherapy (narrowband UVB/targeted light), and systemic treatments such as oral medicines and biologic injections. Your plan is tailored to severity, location, and lifestyle.
How quickly will I see results?
Mild disease may improve in a few weeks with topicals or light therapy; systemic and biologic treatments have specific response timelines. Your provider will set expectations during your visit.
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
There’s no permanent cure yet, but modern therapies can achieve clear or almost clear skin for many people and help maintain control over time.
Is psoriasis treatment safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Certain topicals and narrowband UVB are commonly used with guidance; some oral and injectable options are avoided. We’ll personalize recommendations in coordination with your obstetric provider.
Will my insurance cover psoriasis treatment?
Psoriasis care is generally considered medically necessary. Coverage depends on your plan, prior treatments, and medication policies. Our team helps with insurance questions and prior authorizations.
Do tanning beds help psoriasis?
No. Tanning beds are not a safe treatment for psoriasis and increase skin-cancer risk. If light therapy is appropriate, it should be prescribed and supervised.
Does diet or weight affect psoriasis?
Maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced, lower-glycemic diet may support overall control and treatment response. Diet complements - not replaces - medical therapy.
What skincare routine is best for psoriasis?
Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers; avoid harsh scrubs. Daily emollients can reduce dryness and scaling. Your provider can recommend a routine for scalp, body, and sensitive areas.
Can I get cosmetic treatments if I have psoriasis?
Possibly, but avoid treating over active plaques and discuss timing with your provider. Some procedures can aggravate psoriasis in injured skin (Koebner phenomenon).
How often will I need follow-up visits?
Follow-ups are based on your treatment plan - typically every 4-12 weeks initially to track progress, adjust therapy, and monitor long-term health considerations.
Do you treat psoriasis in teens and adults in Columbus, Ohio?
Yes. Our dermatology team cares for teens through older adults across Columbus and Central Ohio, tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs.
What should I do before my first appointment?
Make a list of medications and prior treatments, note recent flares or triggers, and bring photos if your rash varies. Avoid new over-the-counter remedies for a few days so we can assess your skin clearly.