Category: Uncategorized

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, skin cancer has a very high cure rate.

Skin Cancer Self Examination and Screening According to Dr. Zain Husain, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, in Tysons Corner, VA, “The most important things you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer are to see your Forefront Dermatologist annually for a thorough skin cancer screening, perform regular self-examinations of your skin, and practice preventative care.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self-examinations of their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. But to guide you in how to perform a self-examination, you may find it useful to visit your local Forefront Dermatologist first to do a full-body exam, to assure you that any existing spots, freckles, or moles are normal or treat any that may not be.

Lori, a patient with Forefront Dermatology shares, “Without a skin screening from Forefront, I may not be sitting in this chair telling this story.” In the following video testimonial, Lori discusses how a routine skin cancer screening led to the discovery of a melanoma skin cancer, and how this early detection by her Forefront Dermatologist, Dr. Kathleen Garvey, saved her life.

What Can I Expect At a Skin Cancer Screening? You may be wondering what a skin cancer screening will be like and how long it will take. When you see your Forefront dermatologist for a complete skin check-up, you can expect a 10-15-minute visit, including a review of your medical history and a head-to-toe skin examination.

At this time, let your dermatologist know about any spots you are worried about; your dermatologist can teach you what to look for in the future if you’re not sure, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole. Any notable changes in a mole should be checked out. Typically, a spot that the doctor suspects is cancerous will be biopsied. During a biopsy, a sliver of tissue is removed for evaluation by a pathologist, who confirms (or refutes) the dermatologist’s suspicions.

Conducting Monthly Skin Cancer Self-Examinations It is also recommended that you conduct monthly skin self-evaluations at home on your own. This quick 10 minute procedure could be life-saving.  You can have your dermatologist give you an initial lesson on performing a skin examination and you can also learn how to perform one here. This will help you to monitor any changes in spots on your body and bring them to your dermatologist’s attention as early as possible.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips In addition to seeing your doctor annually for a thorough skin cancer screening and performing monthly skin checks, there are several other things you can do to prevent skin cancer:

• Stay indoors or look for shade in the middle of the day when UV radiation is strongest, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Avoid using tanning beds
• Keep newborns out of the sun
• Avoid sunburns
• Seek shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter to seek relief from the sun
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses for the best protection against UV radiation
• If you can’t cover up completely, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on all exposed skin throughout the year

Your Local Skin Cancer Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help If you or a family member would like to have a skin cancer screening, find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Very much like your closet, your make-up and skincare products need to be rotated as the seasons change.  Many changes in skin occur in the fall, including a need for renewal and repair from sun and other summer weather damage, an increased need for moisturizing and repair from weather changes and being indoors more often, an adjustment for hormonal changes from the stress of a change in schedule and routine, and reactions from a change in diet from lighter summer fare to heavier meals that are associated with a seasonal fall diet. In addition, you can make some easy changes in your make-up routine to brighten up your appearance and look your best and brightest as you move into fall and the upcoming holiday season. The following updates to your skincare and make-up routine will help to ease you in to pumpkin latte season looking your best and brightest:

1. Do a fall clean-up of your skincare products and make-up According to Dr. Zain Husain, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, in Tysons Corner, VA, “Old skin care products and make-up not only work less efficiently, they can also do damage to your skin. There are a few different reasons for this. First, the active ingredients become ineffective over time. For example, after a foundation with SPF has expired, the sun protection may not be as strong as it was when the product was first purchased. Second, the efficiency of active ingredients also becomes compromised over time. Finally, your expired makeup can start to grow bacteria. When you apply these products to your skin, this can cause irritation and bumps that look like acne. And when it comes to your eyes, this bacteria buildup can actually cause infections and pink eye.” Look through your make-up and other skincare products, such as moisturizers and cleansers, and replace products that are more than 12 months old or lipsticks that are more than eighteen months old.
2. Continue to Use Sunscreen As the weather is starting to cool down, it is still very important to protect your skin from the sun, especially during the peak daylight hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Although sun radiation is less intense, you should continue protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. Use daily a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and remember to re-apply it every two hours.
3. Moisturize To repair your damaged summer skin and prepare it for fall, select a creamier cleanser to provide additional moisture to your face and use a richer, creamier face lotion that will keep the skin hydrated. Use mildly hydrating toners to finalize the cleansing process, balance your skin’s tone, and lock in moisture. This will provide a great base for your make-up to ensure that your products go on smoothly and offer essential coverage of fine lines, dark spots and other summer sun damage.
4. Select a foundation with more coverage and repair for uneven skin tone The sun, wind, sand, heat and other elements of summer have most likely taken a toll on your skin this past summer. Look for a foundation that provides ample coverage for uneven skin tone, dark spots, and fine lines that is at least one or two shades lighter than your current skin tone. It should also offer repair elements such as evening and brightening skin tone and minimizing and treating the appearance of fine lines to gradually repair the impact of sun damage while providing a base for your fall make-up to make you look radiant.
5. Embrace earth tones and ditch pastels The last time you shopped for make-up was most likely when the weather was warming up and you were thinking of spring and summer. Swap out your bright colors and pastels you purchased then and trade them in for earth tones and berry shades for fall. Darker peach shadow and black eyeliner are just a couple of the eye trends being seen on runways for fall. Don’t forget about your lips and nails. For lips, select dark berry shades and other earth tones to change your look for fall. Select moisturizing, non-petroleum based, protective lipstick or balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day if to keep lips moist and combat the dryer climate. Select a dark nail polish to finish off your look. Dark grey shades and deep burgundies will help polish off your look! 

Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology Can Help If your skin is feeling especially dull or damaged after summer, your local skin experts at Forefront Dermatology can help! Whatever your current skin-care needs, your local board-certified dermatologists at Forefront Dermatology have an effective treatment option for you. Find the Forefront physician nearest you or learn more about our available skin care treatments.

As the weather starts to cool off and you are trading your shorts and t-shirts for sweaters and jeans, it is a great time to make some changes to your skin-care routine. The aftermath of the summer sun, as well as the cool, dry air associated with fall can leave skin looking rough, dry, dehydrated, and drab. Think of autumn as a time of renewal for your skin and consider the following fall skin-care tips to keep you skin looking refreshed and revitalized well into the new season.

1. Moisturize To repair your damaged summer skin and prepare it for winter, you will need to modify your moisturizing regimen. Select a creamier cleanser to provide additional moisture to your entire body while you are showering. Select a body wash that is creamy, but also gentle enough to not clog your pores that will add extra moisture and protect your skin from the environment. Your skin needs richer, creamier lotions that will keep the skin hydrated. Use mildly hydrating toners to finalize the cleansing process, balance your skin’s tone and lock in moisture. You can also hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eating plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Continue to Use Sunscreen “As the weather is starting to cool down, it is still very important to protect your skin from the sun, especially during the peak daylight hours of 10 AM and 4 PM,” according to Zain Husain, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Vienna, VA. Although sun radiation is less intense, you should continue protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. Use daily a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and remember to re-apply it every two hours.

3. Don’t Forget About Your Hands and Your Lips Hands can become very dry and cracked during fall and winter. Start moisturizing your hands now with a thick, creamy moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure soft, conditioned hands all winter long. Use a moisturizing, non-petroleum based, protective lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day if. Lips receive more sun exposure than any other part of the body and need a lot of extra moisture as the weather starts to become dry. Start moisturizing your lips at the beginning of the season to prevent dry, cracked lips into the fall and winter.

4. Exfoliate The summer sun, heat, sand, chlorine and other elements of the season may have left your skin feeling dry and flaky. Like other fall-friendly skincare products, your exfoliating products should be designed for dry skin and help it retain its moisture. Try seasonal scrubs like pumpkin spice and brown sugar to get in the mood for fall! Oil-based sugar scrubs gently remove old skin cells without stripping your skin of its moisture.

5. Rejuvenate If summer has left your skin feeling dull or with sun damage, such as fine lines and dark spots, there are many spa and cosmetic treatment options that can reverse the seasonal damage and improve the look of wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Fall can also be a very busy time of year with back-to-school, adjusting to a new schedule and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. While you are getting used to your new schedule and the changes in weather, remember that stress can take a toll on your skin too. Take time to schedule a soothing spa treatment, such an exfoliating facial or a full-body scrub to keep stress at bay and leave your skin glowing into the holidays.

Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology Can Help Whatever your current skin-care needs, your local board-certified dermatologists at Forefront Dermatology have an effective treatment option for you. Find the Forefront physician nearest you or learn more about our available skin care treatments.

While many associate allergies and the related symptoms with plant pollen so common in the spring, fall allergies can be just as prevalent. The symptoms that impact your immune system, overall health, and your skin can also be just as pesky as the temps cool and the leaves start to fall. What are the Common Causes of Fall Allergies?

• Ragweed pollen is the most common cause of fall allergies. Approximately 75 percent of people who suffer from spring allergies will also be affected by ragweed pollen, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In most parts of the country, the season used to start in mid-August and run through September; now it begins in early August and runs through mid-October when the first frost kills the ragweed plants.
• Mold and mildew are the second leading causes of fall allergies, and can thrive both indoors and out. They grow from and produce spores that, like pollen, are spread by the wind or indoor air. In the fall, they grow on damp, fallen leaves and compost piles. They also thrive in damp indoor areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Unlike pollen from ragweed and other plants, mold and mildew aren’t killed by the first frost, but they do tend to go into a dormant phase during the winter months.
• Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that feed primarily on flakes of human skin that are shed naturally around the home. While they are present in your home year-round, they can aggregate seasonal allergies in the fall when you close up your home, begin spending more time indoors, and turn on your furnace for the first time. It’s next to impossible to completely rid your home of dust mites but you can take steps to keep them at a manageable level.
• Kids are often exposed to various allergens in the classroom during back-to-school season. These can include chalk dust, classroom pets, as well as indoor and outdoor dust. Students with food allergies may also be exposed to allergens in the lunch room. Help your child understand what can trigger their allergies at school and if they come home with an unusual skin reaction or rash, be sure to contact your local Forefront Dermatologist. Notify teachers and the school nurse of any emergency medications, such as quick relief inhalers and epinephrine for those children with known allergies.

What Are the Symptoms To Look Out for in Your Skin to Indicate You May Have Fall Allergies? In addition to the telltale signs of allergies, such as a runny nose and itchy throat, paying attention to what’s going on with your skin can be a mirror of your overall health. These reactions in your skin can serve as an indicator as to whether you may be experiencing fall allergies. According to Zain Hussain, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, in Vienna, VA, “the most common skin reactions triggered by fall allergies include hives; dry, itchy skin; dark, under-eye circles; red, puffy eyes; and eczema. Experiencing these symptoms in your skin as the season starts to change from summer to fall may be a clue that you are suffering from allergies.” How Can You Prevent and Manage the Symptoms of Fall Allergies?

• Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to reduce seasonal allergens while you are spending the cooler months indoors. Remove shoes and outerwear while coming in and out of the home, change vent filters, clean air vents throughout the house, and service heating systems. Vacuuming and dusting often may help to keep dust mites, pet dander or other indoor allergy triggers under control can help alleviate fall allergy symptoms. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof covers and wash all bedding in hot water regularly.
• Keep your skin moist to prevent eczema and dry skin. You can do this by using a thick, moisturizing lotion all over your body; using a humidifier to keep the air in your home from becoming too dry; and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Use traditional methods to treat and prevent allergies, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology Can Help If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms caused by fall allergies, such as hives; dry, itchy skin; dark, under-eye circles; red, puffy eyes; and eczema, find the Forefront physician nearest you to learn about things you can do to help alleviate and prevent your allergy symptoms.

In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, we’re devoting August to raising awareness about psoriatic disease and its effects on the more than 7.5 million people living with this condition. This week, we are taking a look at ways you can adjust your diet to prevent your psoriasis from flaring up. If you or a loved one is suffering from psoriasis, you are already familiar with the negative effects that flare-ups can have. From painful and itchy outbreaks, to causing stress and anxiety, having psoriasis can have a major impact on the daily lives of the more than 7.5 million Americans who suffer from this condition. While there is no diet that will completely eliminate or cure psoriasis, many people who suffer from this condition have reported a significant reduction in outbreaks by eating certain foods and avoiding others.  Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder.  There is some belief that the digestive system could play a role in activating psoriasis, so paying close attention to your diet may help you to keep flare-ups at bay. Because having psoriasis is out of your control, taking charge of your diet can be empowering because it’s something you can do to live and feel better. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that one of the first steps toward managing chronic psoriasis is to create a healthy, balanced eating plan with the help of your dermatologist. A healthy diet can strengthen the immune system, which will in turn, can guard the body against infections that may exacerbate your skin condition. Find the Forefront physician nearest you to learn about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and eliminate psoriatic disease symptoms in many cases. Foods That Promote Immune Health Omega-3 Rich Foods Omega-3 can be found in found in flaxseed and fish oil. The typical American diet tends to lean heavily toward the omega-6s found in corn oil and fried foods. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, while most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. You can add omega-3 to your diet by eating foods such as salmon, mackerel and flaxseed. Adding these foods just a few times a week can help. Antioxidant-Rich Foods   Following a diet rich in carrots, fresh fruits, and green vegetables, which are high in anti-oxidants may make people less likely to develop psoriasis or psoriasis flares, when compared to those whose diets were lacking in these antioxidant-rich foods. Food Triggers to Avoid Alcohol Many people with psoriasis find that drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, will cause their psoriasis to flare. Drinking alcohol can also dry out the body and the skin, which can cause the dry plaques of psoriasis to flare up. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy drinking can help you avoid this problem. While psoriasis can cause stress, and alcohol can seem like an easy way to temporarily ease anxiety, it is far better for your overall health to find more natural ways to relax. Junk Foods Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for avoiding psoriasis flare-ups. Junk foods are high in trans and saturated fats and they can also contain a lot of sugar. Sugar, saturated and trans fats are known to contribute to inflammation in the body, which is a common trigger of psoriasis. Another reason to avoid junk food, such as sugary and fried foods, is that they contain a lot of empty calories and do not have a lot of nutritional value. Eating too much junk food can easily make you gain weight fast. People with obesity may face more of a possibility of exacerbating psoriasis because with excess weight comes additional skin-to-skin rubbing that can trigger new plaques or aggravate existing patches.  “Many of the therapies for psoriasis are also adversely affected by obesity.  The more you are at your recommended weight, the better they work, according to Mark Jackson, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Louisville, Kentucky. Gluten There is early evidence of an increased risk of intolerance to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley and rye—in patients with psoriasis. In those patients who do have intolerance to gluten, a gluten-free diet has been shown to help improve their skin. If you have other symptoms of gluten intolerance, like diarrhea, gas, persistent fatigue, or low iron and anemia, discuss these with your dermatologist to determine whether a gluten-free diet may be helpful for you to avoid flare-ups. Usually three months of following a gluten-free diet should be enough to see if it will help your psoriasis. Dairy and Fatty Red Meats If you suffer from chronic psoriasis, you should attempt to minimize fatty red meats and dairy products such as cow’s milk and egg yolk from your diet. Red meats and dairy products are high in omega-6 fatty acids known to cause inflammation. Living with Psoriasis: How Can You Feel Better? If you or a family member is living with psoriasis, there are many things that you can do to feel better. Find the Forefront physician nearest you to learn about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and eliminate psoriatic disease symptoms in many cases.

In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, we’re devoting August to raising awareness about psoriatic disease and its effects on the more than 7.5 million people living with this condition. This week, we are taking a look at ways you can prevent your psoriasis from flaring up by avoiding known triggers. If you have psoriasis, you may already be aware of some of the things that can cause you to have a flare-up. The tricky thing is that what causes a flare-up for one person may not affect another. There are several things that researchers have found to be common triggers for those suffering from psoriasis.

1. Stress Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Relaxation and stress reduction may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis. This can be a tough one though because having psoriasis can also stress you out. Take a bath, light a candle or try meditating to beat stress in a healthy way.  Exercise is an excellent stress reliever and can help control the other inflammatory effects of psoriasis, including high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.
2. Injury to the Skin Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is called the Koebner [KEB-ner] phenomenon. Friction and rubbing, sunburns and scratches can all trigger a Koebner response, and may be partially why psoriasis often affects the knees and elbows. The Koebner phenomenon can be treated if it is caught early enough. If you experience a small injury to your skin, treat it as quickly as possible by cleaning and bandaging it. For larger injuries, see your dermatologist as soon as possible following the injury.
3. Medications Certain drugs, such as lithium (a common treatment for bipolar disorder), drugs for malaria, and some beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and some heart arrhythmias), can cause flare-ups of psoriasis symptoms. If you note new areas of involvement, or a flare of your condition after starting a new medication, make sure to discuss this with your dermatologist.
4. Alcohol Many people with psoriasis find that drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, will cause their psoriasis to flare. Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body and the skin, exacerbating the dry flaky patches and often making itching more prominent.  Also, certain psoriasis medications should not be combined with alcohol, so before starting any psoriasis treatment, it is important to discuss your drinking habits with your doctor.  Drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy drinking can help you avoid this problem. While psoriasis can cause stress, and alcohol can seem like an easy way to temporarily ease anxiety, it is far better for your overall health to find more healthful ways to relax.
5. Cigarettes Patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, which raises the chances of serious conditions including stroke and heart attack. Cigarette smoking speeds up this hardening of the arteries and is a bad idea for anyone, but especially those who have psoriasis. Within hours of quitting, increased blood supply to the skin, heart and other organs is found, and the damaging effects of smoking can reverse, the longer you stay nicotine free.  There is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence that shows that quitting smoking improves symptoms in psoriasis patients and its well worth it for your overall health!
6. Diet People with psoriasis often discover there are certain foods that seem to trigger flares. While there is no scientific evidence yet that any specific diet can eliminate or cure psoriasis, many people who suffer from this condition have reported a significant reduction in outbreaks by eating certain foods and avoiding others. As long as you continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet, experimenting with elimination of certain foods to see if it impacts your psoriasis is harmless.  Certain people may find that reducing intake of dairy, fatty red meats, Foods that promote immune health, and which protect against heart disease and cancer, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed) and those rich in antioxidants (colorful fresh fruits and vegetables) are the foods you want to include in your diet.
7. Infections Anything that induces an inflammatory response can worsen psoriasis. In particular, strep throat often triggers the first onset of guttate psoriasis in kids and sometimes in adults. You may experience a flare-up following an earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection, too.  Make sure you seek appropriate medical care for any infections with a fever promptly.
8. Allergies Research has shown that people with psoriasis are more likely to have a large number of inflammatory mast cells–the kind that trigger allergic reactions like hives and itching, in their skin.  When your seasonal allergies are flaring, you may notice a worsening of your psoriasis and itching.   Controlling your hay fever symptoms with antihistamines can help to reduce the flare of itching and psoriasis that may come at the same time.
9. Weather Cold and dry weather can cause dry skin, which makes the chances of having a flare-up worse. In contrast, warm, sunny weather appears to help control the symptoms of psoriasis in most people. Living in a humid climate is also better for psoriasis sufferers than living in a dry climate.
10. Excess Sun While warm and sunny weather can improve the symptoms of psoriasis for many, getting a sunburn will almost always cause a flare-up. If you have psoriasis and enjoy spending time in the sun, remember to keep your exposure to a minimum and use sunscreen to avoid getting sunburn. An SPF30 broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied every 2 hours is a good idea when outdoors. Also seek shade and avoid exposure during the peak hours of 10am-4pm.

Living with Psoriasis: How Can You Feel Better? If you or a family member is living with psoriasis, there are many things that you can do to feel better. Find the Forefront physician nearest you to learn about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and eliminate psoriatic disease symptoms in many cases.

In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, we’re devoting August to raising awareness about psoriatic disease and its effects on the more than 7.5 million people living with this condition. About Psoriasis Awareness Month Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month to raise awareness, encourage research and advocate for better care for people with psoriasis. To learn more about psoriasis awareness month, you can visit the website: https://www.psoriasis.org/wellness. Some Facts about Psoriasis According to the National Psoriasis Foundation:

• 33% of psoriasis patients report social interactions are impacted
• 59% report the condition is a problem in their everyday lives
• 52% are dissatisfied with treatment
• 72% are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of other chronic conditions

The good news is that there are many things you can proactively do to improve your health and well-being and get your psoriasis under control. As we discuss psoriasis this month, we will educate you about how you can live and feel better with psoriasis by making lifestyle changes and partnering with a Forefront Dermatologist. Living With Psoriasis If you have psoriasis, you know that it can affect much more than your skin. Psoriasis can have a serious emotional impact on those who suffer from this often painful and embarrassing condition. The symptoms can cause stress and anxiety, which can further exacerbate flare-ups and cause depression. According to a patient who suffers from psoriasis, “It’s one of those diseases where you really feel like you’re alone. I often feel like I’m the only person who has this condition.” After an embarrassing encounter where a friend asked about his psoriasis in a group setting, a turning point came for this patient when he decided to find a dermatologist to help him manage his condition. “I went to the dermatologist and we developed a treatment plan designed just for me. My dermatologist is a strong listener and very caring, and my advice to anyone trying to find a dermatologist is that you should do some homework to find a doctor who is involved with psoriasis.” How Can I Find a Dermatologist Who Will Work with Me To Treat My Psoriasis? If you are living with psoriasis, and are ready to get help with your condition, there are many things that you can do to feel better. You can start by finding the board-certified Forefront dermatologist nearest you. If you have had treatment for your psoriasis in the past, but have not been satisfied with the results, it could be worthwhile to try working with a new doctor. “Treatment options for psoriasis have come a long way in recent years, and I work with each patient as an individual to tailor a treatment plan specifically to their lifestyle and goals” says Dr. Donnelly, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana. “Through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, most of my patients are able to see significant improvement in their psoriasis in as little as four to six weeks.” If you are living with psoriasis and are ready to explore treatment options, find the Forefront physician nearest you that can work with you to design a tailored treatment plan to prevent flare-ups and eliminate psoriatic disease symptoms in many cases. Make sure to bring a list of any treatments you have tried in the past, and how they worked for you.  Also, it is important you discuss your personal medical history with your doctor, and any medications you may currently be taking.  Dr. Donnelly suggests you come to your appointment prepared with questions for your doctor such as:

• What is your overall approach to the treatment of psoriasis?
• Do you recommend lifestyle changes, such as changes to diet, exercise or supplements in addition to conventional therapies?
• What can I do to prevent damage internally from psoriasis?
• What are my options for long-term control of this condition?