I. Introduction
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by patches of red, scaly skin that can be itchy and painful. Moreover, it can affect any part of your body, including your nails, scalp, and joints.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any cure for psoriasis, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms, reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to psoriasis treatment, including different types of treatment available, how each treatment works, natural remedies, and top dos and don’ts to consider.
II. Understanding Psoriasis Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to treating psoriasis, there are several options available. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce skin inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent flare-ups from occurring again.
A multi-faceted treatment plan is often the most effective route in managing psoriasis. This may include medication, topical creams, light therapy, and lifestyle changes.
III. Top 5 Psoriasis Treatments: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re considering treating your psoriasis, here’s a list of the most common treatments you should know about:
1. Topical Creams
These are creams and ointments that you apply to your skin. They come in different strengths and formulas and work to lessen surface inflammation, reduce scaling, and soothe itchiness.
2. Phototherapy
This involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet light which can help stop the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
3. Oral Medications
Oral medications are usually reserved for severe psoriasis cases. Including immunosuppressants, which work by suppressing the immune system, and retinoids, which normalize skin cell growth function.
4. Biologic Injections
These are drugs that regulate the immune system, which excessive activity may cause psoriasis. Biologics drugs are given by injection usually once a week or once every few weeks, depending on the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.
5. Alternative Therapies
These include ayurvedic treatments, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and homeopathy, among others. If you opt for an alternative treatment, it’s vital to seek guidance from a trusted healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment regimen.
IV. Psoriasis Treatment 101: Breaking Down Your Options
Let’s take a closer look at each type of psoriasis treatment:
1. Topical Creams
Topical creams are one of the most straightforward forms of psoriasis treatment, but different creams work differently. Some work to reduce inflammation and itching, while others directly target psoriasis plaques. There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments available, such as hydrocortisone and salicylic acid lotion. For more severe cases, prescription creams like Dovonex or Tazorac may be necessary.
2. Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a method that utilizes light to treat psoriasis. UVB is a type of light therapy that can help reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells. Other types of phototherapy available include PUVA, Narrowband UVB, and Excimer laser. Your dermatologist or medical provider will determine the most appropriate phototherapy treatment for your case.
3. Oral Medications
Oral medications can be especially helpful in stopping skin cell growth. Immunosuppressants like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and azathioprine are generally reserved for those with more severe psoriasis, as they suppress the immune system. They also carry the potential for significant side effects, such as liver damage or kidney problems. While retinoids like Acitretin are useful in normalizing skin growth function, they can cause birth defects and are not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
4. Biologic Injections
Biologic injections target specific parts of the immune system that are responsible for psoriasis symptoms. These injections are usually given on a weekly or monthly basis. Your healthcare provider will determine the frequency of a biologic medication regimen, which is typically every few weeks or once a month. Biologics can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance plans.
5. Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies like Ayurveda, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy are not typically recommended by healthcare providers. These therapies are not backed by clinical research or trials and may result in adverse side effects. However, some alternative therapies like dietary changes, stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga, and other lifestyle changes may complement traditional treatments.
V. The Dos and Don’ts of Psoriasis Treatment
Dos and don’ts for using psoriasis treatments include:
Do Use Medications as Directed
Always use medication creams, oral medications, injections, or biologics as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Using more or less of these medications than prescribed can result in complications that can cause the psoriasis to get worse.
Don’t Skip Treatment Sessions
Skipping a phototherapy session or missing an injection can lead to flare-ups and scaly skin. Always reschedule missed appointments as soon as possible to ensure consistency in treatment.
Do Tell Your Healthcare Provider about Side Effects
If you experience adverse reactions to your psoriasis treatment, like stomach pain or liver damage, notify your healthcare provider immediately. They can adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative medication if needed.
VI. Natural Remedies for Psoriasis: Can They Really Work?
Natural remedies, including aloe vera, tea tree oil, and turmeric, are often used to treat psoriasis. However, scientific evidence supporting natural remedies is lacking, and they are not recommended as a primary treatment option.
Supplements, like fish oil, vitamin D, and aloe vera, have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is little scientific research indicating their effectiveness in treating psoriasis, and they may cause complications when used in conjunction with other treatment modalities.
VII. Struggling with Psoriasis? Here Are Your Best Treatment Options
Alternative psoriasis treatments are not typically used as primary treatments, and few clinical trials support their use.
Tazarotene, which is a retinoid cream, can complement other treatment options and is approved by the FDA for treating psoriasis. Other helpful complementary therapies include stress reduction techniques, like meditation and yoga, and dietary interventions such as consuming more fruits and vegetables and limiting alcohol intake.
VIII. Conclusion
While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatment options available to manage symptoms. These include topical creams, phototherapy, oral medications, and biologic injections, among others. It’s essential to consider a multi-faceted treatment approach to manage psoriasis most effectively. It’s also essential to inform your healthcare provider of any adverse reactions to treatments or alternative therapies you may consider.
Overall, there is hope for people with psoriasis. With the right treatment regimen and guidance from a medical provider, you can manage the symptoms and considerably improve your quality of life.
