What is psoriasis and is it contagious?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up the skin cell life cycle. Cells build up rapidly on the surface, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. It is not contagious. You cannot catch it from touching someone who has it. It’s driven by internal immune system activity, not by any external agent that can be passed between people.

What does psoriasis look like?

The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Other types include guttate psoriasis (small drop-shaped lesions), inverse psoriasis (smooth red patches in skin folds), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread red, peeling skin). About 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, affecting the joints.

What treatments are available for psoriasis?

Treatment depends on how much of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are. Mild to moderate psoriasis is often managed with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids. Moderate to severe cases may be treated with phototherapy (UV light therapy), methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics that target specific immune pathways. Newer oral medications called JAK inhibitors are also available. A dermatologist will help you find the right level of treatment for your situation.

Can diet affect psoriasis?

Diet alone won't cure psoriasis, but it can influence inflammation levels in the body. Some patients find that reducing alcohol, refined sugars, and processed foods helps lower flare frequency. A gluten-free diet helps a subset of patients, particularly those with concurrent celiac disease. Maintaining a healthy weight also matters, as obesity is associated with more severe psoriasis and can reduce how well some treatments work. Your dermatologist can advise on evidence-based lifestyle adjustments alongside medical treatment.

Is psoriasis linked to other health conditions?

Yes. Psoriasis is associated with several systemic conditions beyond the skin. Psoriatic arthritis affects roughly 30% of patients and can cause significant joint damage if untreated. People with psoriasis also have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. These associations mean managing psoriasis is about more than skin appearance. Your dermatologist will factor in your overall health picture when recommending treatment.

Do you treat scalp psoriasis?

Yes. Scalp psoriasis responds well to medicated shampoos and topical solutions, and to biologics in resistant cases. We build a scalp-specific plan rather than relying on cover-ups.

→ All Services

Medical Dermatology

Reduce psoriasis flare-ups and calm irritated skin

For psoriasis that keeps coming back. We build a long-term plan instead of chasing flares, and step up to biologics that target the cause when topicals are not enough.

Schedule Your Visit Call 833-635-2566

"I had an itchy and red area on the back of my neck for two years and none of the dermatologists could help me, I came in and they took a picture, they sent analysis to the lab and prescribed me a cream. She was so patient while I was explaining asked me multiple questions. After doing the cream it went away."

Firuza Davlyatshoeva · Google Review

On This Page

Quick Facts

At a Glance

Condition

Chronic autoimmune skin disease with thick, scaly plaques

Common Types

Plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic

Provider

Dr. David Biro, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist

Diagnosis

Clinical skin exam, sometimes confirmed with a small punch biopsy

Treatments

Topicals, phototherapy, oral systemics, and biologics (TNF, IL-17, IL-23 inhibitors)

When to Seek Care

Spreading plaques, joint pain, persistent itch, or scalp involvement

Find Your Path

Is Your Psoriasis a Match for kalon Care?

Match your psoriasis concern to the right kalon care pathway

My plaques keep coming back after every treatmentRecurring plaques often signal a need to step up to systemic or biologic therapy. A dermatologist can map a long-term control plan rather than chasing flares.

I have joint pain along with my skin plaquesJoint pain plus psoriasis can signal psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Early diagnosis matters because PsA can damage joints if untreated. Some biologics treat both at once.

My scalp is covered in flakes I can't hideScalp psoriasis responds well to medicated shampoos, topical solutions, and in resistant cases biologics. Cosmetic camouflage isn't the long-term answer.

I'm scared of biologics, what are my optionsTopicals, phototherapy, and oral systemics like methotrexate or apremilast are alternatives. Biologic candidacy depends on severity, prior response, and your goals.

My psoriasis spread suddenly across my bodySudden widespread flare needs prompt evaluation. Some types (erythrodermic, pustular) are medical urgencies; book a same-week dermatology visit.

Phototherapy or biologics, which is right for mePhototherapy is older and safe for many; biologics are more targeted with faster results. Your dermatologist weighs severity, comorbidities, and lifestyle for the best fit.

This Concern Match is informational, not medical advice. Psoriasis presentation, severity, and treatment response vary by individual. Schedule a dermatology consultation for diagnosis and a personalized plan.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that benefits from ongoing medical care to improve the health of your skin and reduce flare-ups. At kalon Dermatology, expert providers create personalized plans for psoriasis for Brooklyn and Staten Island residents to help keep the condition under control. Call the office or schedule your psoriasis consultation online today.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when there’s an overproduction of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly, itchy patches of skin. Normally, your skin replaces old cells with new cells every few weeks. But with psoriasis, your body makes new skin cells every few days.

The overproduction of skin cells occurs because of an immune system malfunction that triggers the skin cells to grow at a more rapid rate, making psoriasis an autoimmune skin condition.

What are the types of psoriasis?

There are many types of psoriasis that can affect different parts of the body. Some of these types include:

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, causing raised, red plaques covered with white scales. You can have plaque psoriasis and another type of the autoimmune skin condition.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis causes a flat, red, and painful rash in the folded areas of the skin, like under the arms or in the groin area.

Sebopsoriasis

Sebopsoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects the scalp, causing a scaly or crusty scalp.

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis causes discoloration and pitting in the fingernails and toenails.

Psoriatic arthritis is also a type of psoriasis that causes joint inflammation and pain.

What can I expect during a psoriasis evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit kalon Dermatology for a psoriasis evaluation. Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. They also ask about your family history since psoriasis tends to run in families.

Your provider examines your skin and may take a sample of your rash to confirm or rule out psoriasis.

If your plaques keep returning after every cream, we map a long-term plan instead of chasing flares. Beyond topicals and phototherapy, your dermatologist can step up to oral systemics or biologics that target the specific immune pathways behind psoriasis, including the TNF, IL-17, and IL-23 inhibitors. If you also have joint pain, we screen for psoriatic arthritis, since some biologics treat both.

What are the treatments for psoriasis?

Your provider at kalon Dermatology talks to you about your psoriasis and the treatments that may help keep your skin condition under control, They customize your plan based on psoriasis type and the severity of your symptoms.

Treatment for psoriasis may include:

Salicylic acid
Corticosteroid cream
Calcipotriene (vitamin D cream that slows down skin cell growth)
Coal tar (reduces itching and flaking)
Retinoids
Phototherapy

Stress may trigger your skin condition, and your provider may also talk to you about stress management to reduce flare-ups.

kalon Dermatology offers specialized care for psoriasis for Brooklyn and Staten Island residents. They create personalized treatment plans to help you manage your skin condition effectively. So, c all kalon Dermatology or schedule your consultation online today.

Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Excellent doctor, excellent stuff. I recommend this office to my relatives and friends.

Alexander S.

Google Review

I’ve been to multiple Dermatology offices to help me with my skin concern. There is no one else I’d trust more now that I’ve been to Kalon Dermatology. The staff is polite and caring. The team took the time to go over all my treatment options and I’ve finally found the help I needed. I highly recommend this Dermatology office and will be recommending and returning with my family.

Gabi D.

Google Review

Love the friendly staff and great doctors here. Highly recommend 10/10 great results

Laura C.

Google Review

Danny is a very good doctor. Very knowledgeable, caring and attentive.

crispy P.

Google Review

Loved my experience here. Such knowledgeable providers and have a good bed side manner. The office is beautiful and most importantly very clean.

Nelly K.

Google Review

This place is absolutely amazing! From the staff, to the reception area to the treatments. I see Danny bronshtein for my injections and my skincare needs. He’s very thorough and attentive and sweet to boot. Can’t recommend them enough!

elle G.

Google Review

Read All Reviews

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly speeds up the skin cell life cycle. Cells build up rapidly on the surface, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. It is not contagious. You cannot catch it from touching someone who has it. It’s driven by internal immune system activity, not by any external agent that can be passed between people.
: The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Other types include guttate psoriasis (small drop-shaped lesions), inverse psoriasis (smooth red patches in skin folds), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread red, peeling skin). About 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, affecting the joints.
: Treatment depends on how much of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are. Mild to moderate psoriasis is often managed with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids. Moderate to severe cases may be treated with phototherapy (UV light therapy), methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics that target specific immune pathways. Newer oral medications called JAK inhibitors are also available. A dermatologist will help you find the right level of treatment for your situation.
: Diet alone won't cure psoriasis, but it can influence inflammation levels in the body. Some patients find that reducing alcohol, refined sugars, and processed foods helps lower flare frequency. A gluten-free diet helps a subset of patients, particularly those with concurrent celiac disease. Maintaining a healthy weight also matters, as obesity is associated with more severe psoriasis and can reduce how well some treatments work. Your dermatologist can advise on evidence-based lifestyle adjustments alongside medical treatment.
: Yes. Psoriasis is associated with several systemic conditions beyond the skin. Psoriatic arthritis affects roughly 30% of patients and can cause significant joint damage if untreated. People with psoriasis also have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. These associations mean managing psoriasis is about more than skin appearance. Your dermatologist will factor in your overall health picture when recommending treatment.
: Yes. Scalp psoriasis responds well to medicated shampoos and topical solutions, and to biologics in resistant cases. We build a scalp-specific plan rather than relying on cover-ups.

Expertise You Can Trust

Meet Our Expert Team

More than 75 years of combined dermatology and medical experience. Click any provider to read their background.

View All Providers

Reviewed by David Biro, MD, PhD

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.

Start Here

Reveal Your Best Self

Book your consultation today and learn how our experienced team can support your skin care goals.

Schedule Your Visit Call 833-635-2566