Calm red, scaly plaques with prescription topicals, intralesional injections and light therapy, plus referral for biologics when needed, at Glow Theory in Carlsbad.
Medical dermatology
Psoriasis is a long-term, immune-related condition in which the skin becomes covered with red, scaly plaques. Plaques usually have well-defined edges, often appear symmetrically, and can affect any part of the body; they may itch or crack. Psoriasis is not contagious and there is no cure yet, but treatment can clear the skin and keep flares under control. As plaques heal they can leave pale or brown marks that fade over time.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Sykes, MD, Medical Director · Updated October 12, 2026
Voted best med spa in North County San Diego
Request an appointment
Send us your details and our team will call you to find a time that suits you. Your visit starts with a consultation with our dermatology team, who examine your skin, explain your options and confirm costs before any treatment.
Psoriasis
Request a consultation
Financing available on treatments of $2,000 or more
Treatment options
Your plan may include:
Glow Theory does not prescribe biologics, but our nurse practitioner has over a decade of experience with this class of medicines and can refer you to a trusted dermatologist when they are needed.
Psoriasis Carlsbad
Your providers
Founder & CEO
Insiyah has spent more than 15 years in medical dermatology and aesthetics. She completed a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, affiliated with the Harvard Dermatology Residency, and founded Glow Theory to bring that clinical standard to aesthetic care in Carlsbad.
Medical director
Dr. Sykes is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of practice. He is the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at UC Davis and a Past President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and has trained many practitioners in facial anatomy and Botox injection technique.
Answered by Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP, founder and CEO
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that speeds up skin-cell growth. Genetics plays a part (it often runs in families), and flares can be triggered by stress, infections such as strep throat, skin injury, smoking, alcohol and some medicines.
No. Psoriasis cannot spread from person to person through touch, bodily fluids or any other contact.
Most often raised, red plaques covered with silvery-white scale, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Other types look different: small drop-like spots (guttate), smooth red patches in skin folds (inverse) or pus-filled bumps (pustular).
There is no cure yet, but treatment can clear the skin for long periods. Options include prescription creams, intralesional injections, UV light therapy, coal tar products and, for moderate to severe psoriasis, oral medicines or biologics.
Yes. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease: immune cells trigger inflammation that makes skin cells grow too fast. It is usually diagnosed by examining the skin; a biopsy is occasionally needed.
Often, yes. Most people with psoriasis have some itching. Moisturizers, scale-softening products and treatment of the plaques help; avoid scratching, which can trigger new plaques.
Genetics plays an important role, and psoriasis often runs in families, but not everyone with a family history develops it. Environmental triggers are also needed. It most often starts between ages 15 and 35, though it can begin at any age.
Both cause itchy, inflamed skin. Psoriasis usually forms thicker, well-defined plaques with silvery scale on the elbows, knees and scalp; eczema tends to be drier and itchier, with less defined patches, often in the creases of the elbows and knees. They are treated differently, so an accurate diagnosis matters. See eczema.
Costs vary by treatment: topicals are budget-friendly, and biologics may cost more. Medical dermatology visits at Glow Theory are $150–$375.
