Beverly Hills Dermatology
Psoriasis Treatment in Beverly Hills
Topical therapy, phototherapy referral, systemic medication, and modern biologics — matched to how much of your skin is involved and how much it affects your life.
- Verified Reviews
- 792
- Overall Rating
- 4.77★
- Bedside Manner
- 4.84★
- Years in Practice
- 20+
Overview
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease in which activated T cells and the IL-23/IL-17 cytokine axis drive keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The result is well-demarcated erythematous plaques with adherent silvery scale, classically on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, along with nail pitting and onycholysis. It is systemic, not merely cutaneous: psoriatic arthritis affects a substantial minority of patients, and psoriasis is associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome — so Dr. Zaks asks about joint symptoms and reviews cardiometabolic risk at evaluation.
Treatment is matched to severity. Limited disease responds to topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs such as calcipotriene, combination products, topical calcineurin inhibitors for the face and folds, and newer non-steroidal topicals including tapinarof and roflumilast. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is effective for more widespread involvement; if UV treatment is indicated, Dr. Zaks refers you to a dedicated phototherapy center for that portion of care. For moderate to severe disease, systemic and biologic therapy — including agents targeting TNF, IL-17, and IL-23 — achieves degrees of clearance that were not attainable a decade ago. Dr. Zaks coordinates with rheumatology when joint disease is present. Psoriasis is a medical diagnosis covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare.
Treatment Options
Topical Corticosteroids
First-line for localized plaques, with potency matched to body site and used in defined courses to gain control.
Vitamin D Analogs
Calcipotriene, alone or combined with a corticosteroid, normalizes keratinocyte proliferation and is well suited to long-term use.
Non-Steroidal Topicals
Tapinarof and roflumilast offer steroid-free options for plaques and for sensitive areas including the face and skin folds.
Narrowband UVB Phototherapy
Effective for more widespread plaque psoriasis. If indicated, Dr. Zaks refers you to a dedicated phototherapy center for this portion of care.
Systemic Therapy
Oral agents including methotrexate, acitretin, and apremilast for patients who need more than topical treatment, with appropriate laboratory monitoring.
Biologic Therapy
Agents targeting TNF, IL-17, and IL-23 for moderate to severe disease, capable of producing near-complete clearance in many patients.
The Treatment Experience
Diagnosis and severity assessment
Dr. Zaks confirms the diagnosis, documents body surface area involved and the sites affected, screens for nail and scalp disease, and asks specifically about joint pain and stiffness.
Treatment plan matched to severity
Limited disease starts with topical therapy; more extensive or life-limiting disease may move to phototherapy, systemic medication, or a biologic. UV phototherapy, when indicated, is referred to a dedicated phototherapy center.
Escalation, authorization, and monitoring
When systemic or biologic therapy is indicated, our office handles prior authorization and Dr. Zaks arranges the appropriate baseline and ongoing laboratory monitoring.
Long-term follow-up
Psoriasis is chronic and relapsing. Regular follow-up maintains control, catches flares early, and monitors for psoriatic arthritis and cardiometabolic risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psoriasis curable?
No, but it is highly controllable. With modern therapy — particularly biologics for moderate to severe disease — many patients achieve near-complete clearance and maintain it long-term.
How do I know if I need a biologic?
Biologics are generally considered for moderate to severe disease, for psoriasis that fails adequate topical therapy or phototherapy, or when involvement of the hands, face, scalp, or genitals significantly affects daily life.
Should I worry about joint pain?
Yes — mention it. Psoriatic arthritis affects a substantial minority of psoriasis patients, and early treatment prevents permanent joint damage. Dr. Zaks screens for it and coordinates with rheumatology when indicated.
Are biologics safe?
They are well studied with established safety profiles, but they modulate the immune system, so baseline screening including tuberculosis testing and ongoing monitoring are part of treatment.
Can diet or stress affect my psoriasis?
Stress, infection, skin trauma, smoking, and certain medications are recognized triggers of flares. Diet is not a treatment for psoriasis, though cardiometabolic health matters given the associated risks.
Is psoriasis treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Psoriasis is a medical diagnosis covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare. Biologics require prior authorization, which our office manages for you.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. It is an immune-mediated disease and cannot be transmitted to anyone by contact.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Psoriasis Treatment at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.