Psoriasis

Treatment

There is currently no known cure for psoriasis. However, there are many available treatment options. Our skilled providers will help you determine which method is best for you. Treatment objective to slow the rapid growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

• Topical Medications: Mild psoriasis is usually treated with over-the-counter creams, ointments and lotions to keep the skin moisturized. Mild psoriasis of the scalp can be treated with shampoos and oils. For more severe cases, topical medications such as vitamin D compounds, corticosteroids, anthralin or retinoids may be prescribed.
• Phototherapy: During phototherapy, the affected areas are briefly exposed to intense ultraviolet A or B light (UVA, UVB). UVB treatment is completed 3 times a week, and when used in combination with medicine such as calcipotriene, is quite effective. Psoralen and UVA light therapy (PUVA) combines exposure to a chamber of UVA light with medication called psoralen to treat psoriasis. It must be completed for many weeks before symptoms will improve, but the results are generally better than UVB treatment.
• Oral Medication: When topical medications and phototherapy do not effectively treat moderate to severe psoriasis, oral medication may be prescribed. Methotrexate, retinoids, or cyclosporine are all used to treat psoriasis. However, these drugs can have serious side effects, such as weakening the immune system, and liver or kidney damage. This is why they are generally reserved for more severe cases.
• Biologics: Biologics are medications similar to the proteins made by the body. They block the harmful response of the body’s immune system that causes psoriasis. Biologics are generally used for people who cannot use other treatments. They are generally as effective as other oral medications but may have fewer side effects. However, the long-term safety of biologics is unknown. Therefore, for patients who require treatment their whole lives, our skilled providers will likely recommend rotating or changing treatment periodically.

There is no way to prevent psoriasis, but you may be able to reduce flare-ups and improve symptoms by abiding by the following guidelines:

• Keep your skin moisturized.
• Avoid extreme cold or dry climates. While cold weather can make psoriasis symptoms worse, sometimes heat and humidity can improve symptoms.
• Avoid scratching or picking skin.
• Avoid infection. Strep throat in particular can cause psoriasis to appear suddenly, especially in children.
• Limit alcohol intake, and do not smoke. Alcohol use can cause symptoms to flare. Smoking may make psoriasis more severe or cause the symptoms to last longer.