Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to grow around 5 times faster than normal skin cells. This prevents the old cells from falling off. Moreover, they accumulate with the new cells. This results in thick, flaky, itchy patches of skin. Dermatologists may recommend various types of treatments. They will assess the skin and recommend a treatment accordingly.

1.Topical treatments for psoriasis:

Topical treatments are applied directly to the affected area. This prevents the system-wide side effects of medicines taken by mouth or a shot.

• Salicylic acid:

Salicylic acid ointment smoothes the skin by promoting the shedding of psoriatic scales. However, using salicylic acid over large patches of skin may cause the body to absorb excess medicine. This may lead to side effects. Moreover, salicylic acid may cause skin irritation and weaken hair shafts. This may result in breakage and temporary hair loss. The effectiveness of these preparations is modest at best.

• Steroid-based creams:

Steroid creams reduce inflammation and provide relief from itching. They also block the overproduction of cells. However, stronger preparations can cause side effects that include burning, dryness, irritation, and thinning of the skin.

• Coal-tar ointments and shampoos:

These products help to slow the rapid growth of skin cells. They also help to alleviate symptoms, but some people are vulnerable to the side effects. One of the main side effects is folliculitis which is a pimple-like rash affecting the hair follicles.

• Prescription retinoids:

These topical medicines contain a synthetic form of vitamin A. They can help improve psoriasis. However, topical retinoids can sometimes cause dryness and irritation of the skin.

2. Phototherapy:

This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision. In fact, consistent sessions of light-therapy prove to be very beneficial. Even regular doses of sunlight may help people affected by psoriasis. Moreover, for cases that are persistent, doctors recommend light therapy.

3. Psoralen + Ultraviolet A (PUVA):

Ultraviolet A rays are relatively ineffective, in comparison to UVB rays. PUVA reduces excessive skin cell growth and clears psoriasis symptoms for certain periods of time. However, Stable plaque psoriasis, psoriasis of the palms and soles, and guttate psoriasis are most responsive to PUVA treatment.

This is one of the most effective treatments. However, this form of therapy is used far less often today. This is because it has been shown to increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the long run.

4. Ultraviolet B light (UVB) light:

In this treatment, ultraviolet-B rays which are found in natural sunlight are projected on the patient’s skin for a set period of time, on a regular basis. It penetrates the skin and slows down the cell production The former band projects a larger range of light in comparison to the latter.

Narrowband UVB clears psoriasis at a speedy rate and produces longer remissions than broadband UVB. Some doctors may prescribe this treatment using a light box alone, or with other therapies such as coal tar.

5. Excimer laser

In this treatment, the Excimer laser treats chronic, localized psoriasis plaques. This laser emits a high-intensity beam of ultraviolet B light (UVB). Moreover, the doctor may recommend two treatments per week, with a minimum of 48 hours between treatments. In fact, patients require an average range of 4 – 10 sessions, depending on each individual’s response to treatment.

6. Oral and injectable medications for psoriasis

Doctors may prescribe oral medicines or injectable drugs to treat psoriasis. Some of these medications may affect the immune system.

7. Oral retinoids:

These compounds have vitamin-A-like properties. These may be mildly helpful for severe psoriasis.