Psoriasis Treatments and Therapies: Partner with Your Doctor to Find What Works
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Treatments and therapies are available for individuals affected by psoriasis, a skin disorder that commonly appears as red, scaly patches of raised skin on the scalp, arms, genitals, elbows, hands, and feet. Variations exist in this genetic, chronic disorder – psoriasis can appear as pus-filled blistered or as intensely red swelled areas of inflammation. Treatment of psoriasis and its accompanying symptoms – itching, flaking, redness, and swelling – should be guided by your dermatologist; the course of therapy prescribed will depend on what type of psoriasis you suffer. Dermatologists also base treatment decisions on your family history, age, and the severity of psoriasis.
Range of Treatments and Therapies
Topical or external treatments and therapies include a variety of medications that are to be applied directly to the skin. Topical medications include anthralin, calcipotriene, coal tar, salicylic acid, steroids, and tazarotene. Dermatologists generally begin treatment of psoriasis with topical treatments. Because of the chronic, unpredictable nature of this condition, it is often necessary to experiment with medications
Phototherapy, which includes lasers and sunlight, is used in people with more severe forms of psoriasis or who do not respond to topical treatment. Most types of phototherapy treatment are conducted under the supervision of staff at a medical office. This therapy involves exposing skin to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy can target certain areas of the skin. Lasers may be used to target short bursts of light at blood vessels under the skin. This is generally a safe and effective treatment. It can even be undertaken at home by psoriasis patients who live far from their dermatologist’s office. With a doctor’s prescription, patients can purchase an ultraviolet B light unit. Home phototherapy treatment should be monitored periodically by the patient’s doctor.
Oral Medications
The next level of treatment based on severity is systemic medications. Biologics are a group of drugs composed of materials derived from living human or animal proteins. They are designed to block psoriasis in the body’s immune system. Cyclosporin is synthetic drug that can actually slow the growth of skin cells, preventing psoriasis outbreaks. This drug is approved for use for up to a year at a time. Methotrexate is another prescription drug that slows the body’s production of skin cell growth in psoriasis outbreaks. Most patients who use this drug see improvement within a couple of months, according to studies. Oral retinoids, a synthetic version of vitamin A, are a bit mysterious: they have shown to reduce the severity of psoriasis, but scientists are
Other Concerns
Itching may accompany psoriasis outbreaks. To control itching, try to wear lightweight clothing made out of a gentle fabric and use emollients prescribed by your healthcare provider. Injury or trauma to areas of the skin prone to psoriasis flare-up is associated with outbreaks. Try,
The appearance of psoriasis is often a source of psychological as well as physical discomfort. Some people who suffer from psoriasis may be comforted by reducing the visual prominence of lesions or scales. This can be accomplished through a variety of make-up products available on the market that can camouflage the appearance of psoriasis. Dermablend is one such body makeup; it is available at most department stores. However, make-up should never be applied to open sores.
For individuals who suffer from the scaly patches associated with psoriasis, soaking the affected area in warm water and bath oil for 20 minutes and then gently sloughing off scales with a towel can minimize the outbreak’s appearance. Occlusion is another treatment method: coat the affected area with a heavy emollient cream and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave the skin wrapped overnight and remove scales in the shower the next morning.
Psoriasis is a condition that can cause both physical and mental suffering. By exploring your treatment and therapy options with your dermatologist and practicing good general skin-care habits, the negative affects of psoriasis can be alleviated. It may benefit sufferers of psoriasis to seek out support groups that offer therapy sessions and the opportunity to talk with others who cope with this condition.