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.

No-one quite knows exactly what causes psoriasis, although genetics are believed to be a factor. The general consensus is that the immune system also plays a huge part, with the immune system somehow triggered to produce more skin cells than is normal.

People who don’t suffer with psoriasis will produce mature skin that sheds itself within 28-30 days, psoriasis sufferers however will produce mature skin within 3-4 days. Unlike normal skin cell production though which falls off, psoriasis cells pile up, forming lesions on the surface (see diagram above, to the right).

Psoriasis can also be triggered by a number of other factors such as: -

The weather – Cold, dry weather can flare up psoriasis while warm damp or sunny temperatures can make symptoms better.

Stress – Stress or emotional distress can trigger psoriasis flare ups.

Skin infection – Skin infections caused by viruses or bacteria can trigger psoriasis and cause flare up.

Skin injury/damage – Damage or injury to the skin, like grazes or cuts can cause psoriasis to break out.

Drugs – Certain drugs can flare up or make worse psoriasis, such as: -

Chloroquine
ACE inhibitors(monopril/captopril)
Beta blockers (lopressor/atenolol)
Progesterone
Lithium
Indocin

Types Of Psoriasis

There are 5 types of psoriasis with different symptoms and levels of severity, such as:-

1) Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common form of psoriasis and is usually found on the knees, lower back and elbows. 80% of psoriasis cases suffer with this form. Tell-tale signs are red lesions with silvery white scales, affecting large skin areas.

2) Guttate Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis can develop quite quickly and often out of the blue, usually in children and teens. The tell-tale signs are small red independent spots appearing on the trunk or limbs. These legions aren’t as thick as or as widespread over skin distances as plaque psoriasis for example.

3) Inverse Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis develops on the groin, armpits, underneath the breasts, buttocks and around the genitalia as well as other skin folds. Appearance is of a flat, red, shiny scaleless nature and a lot smoother than other forms. This is more common in overweight people and is one of the most irritating forms of psoriasis. Sweat and clothing abrasion can inflame inverse psoriasis.

4) Pustular Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis usually develops on the hands and feet, although it can spread to other areas and resembles white blisters over red inflammation. The blisters are filled with pus and this is quite a painful form. When the pus seeps or hardens, the psoriasis gathers a scale like appearance. More common in adults.

5) Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is the most severe form of psoriasis and can cover most parts of the body at any one time. The appearance is of a fiery red coloration with inflammation and is very itchy, and very painful. If you suffer with this form of psoriasis you should consult with your doctor or physician immediately. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes fluid and protein loss which can lead to serious illness.

Psoriasis Cure

There is no known cure for psoriasis but given the number of people affected by it, research is plentiful and ongoing and there is hope of one day finding an effective solution. However there are a number of treatment options open to those who suffer with psoriasis (see below).

Psoriasis Treatment

There are various forms of treatment and options open to psoriasis sufferers to combat and help ease the condition.