Reduce psoriasis flare-ups and calm irritated skin
Psoriasis care in Brooklyn & Staten Island
Last Updated: April 2026
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.
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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.
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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.
Meet Our Expert Team
Dr. Joseph Iwanicki, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Joseph Iwanicki MD graduated from the medical Academy of Wroclaw, Poland in 1974. After moving to the US Dr. Iwanicki completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York, NY.
Dr. David Biro, M.D., Ph.D.
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. David Biro received his BA from the University of Pennsylvania, his MD from Columbia University, and his PhD from Oxford University. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn.
Mark Iwanicki, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Mark Iwanicki is a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist currently practicing in NYC. Dr. Mark graduated from Cornell undergrad with a degree in pre-veterinary studies.
Danny Bronshtein, NP-C, MSN
Nurse Practitioner
Danny Bronshtein is a licensed and board certified Nurse Practitioner; he received his Masters of Science degree from the City University of New York.
Yelena Terushkin, PA-C, MSPA
Physician Assistant
Yelena Terushkin is a licensed physician assistant in the state of New York and Florida with experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
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, call kalon Dermatology or schedule your consultation online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about psoriasis treatment at kalon Dermatology
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.