Psoriasis Treatment

Before considering on a course of treatment for your psoriasis, consult your doctor, physician or a specialist first. Please Note: Some forms of treatment may cause side effects.

There are 3 type of treatments for psoriasis, topical, phototherapy and systemic.

Topical Psoriasis Treatment

Topical treatments are applied to the skin and is the most common form of defence against psoriasis. The following treatments are available: -

Anthralin

Anthralin, a prescription treatment, is effective in combating plaque psoriasis and acts by reducing skin inflammation.

Dovonex

Dovonex is a prescription based treatment and acts by slowing down the rate of skin cell growth, removes scales and flattens psoriasis.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid treatment acts by removing psoriasis scales and can be combined with topical steroids, tar or anthralin to increase effectiveness. Comes in prescription or over the counter form.

Tar

Coal tar is an age old tried and trusted method of treating psoriasis which is available to buy over the counter and is an effective type of treatment for mild psoriasis.

Tazorac

Tazorac is a prescription gel or cream form of treatment containing Vitamin A agents and most effective with treating plaque psoriasis.

Topical steroids

Corticosteroids or steroids act by fighting bacteria and is effective in treating mild to moderate form of psoriasis such as plaque.

Phototherapy Psoriasis Treatment

Phototherapy methods involve exposing the skin to beams of ultraviolet light to penetrate the psoriasis. These treatment methods are carried out under the guidance of a doctor or a physician and fight psoriasis by slowing down or reducing skin cell growth. There are two forms of Phototherapy treatment, UVB and PUVA and both have proven successful in combating mild to moderate forms of psoriasis.

Systemics Psoriasis Treatment

Systemic methods are prescription medications that affect the entire body and are only considered for sufferers of moderate to severe psoriasis conditions that other treatments have proved unsuccessful in combating. The following treatments are available:-

Biologics
Cyclosporine
Methotrexate
Soriatane

Alternative Psoriasis Treatment

Alternative treatments for psoriasis is quite common these days and is growing in popularity following reported successes using various methods and forms of treatment. While clinically unproven or tested as much as practiced forms of treatment, it would be unwise to rule out alternative methods as every person is different and reacts to things differently. Keep an open mind with your psoriasis treatment.

Psoriasis Tips

1) Eat a healthy balanced diet.

2) Don’t expose yourself to dry cold weather. This can flare up your psoriasis.

3) Expose yourself to warm, wet or sunny weather (always wear sunblock). This can ease your psoriasis.

4) Don’t wear irritable clothing, perfume or jewelry.

5) Don’t pick at or scratch your psoriasis as you can make matters worse.

6) Choose your cleansing products, skin care products or ointments carefully. Again you can cause further inflammation.

7) Avoid stressful situations or emotional distress.

8) Wear loose clothing, made of natural fibres. Chaffing can worsen your psoriasis.