Options for Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatments of psoriasis decrease inflammation while clearing the skin. All treatments can be classified into 3 types including systemic medications, light therapy, and topical treatments.

Topical treatments: They are ointments and creams which can be applied to the skin. With a severe disease, creams are mixed with light therapy or oral medications. These treatments include: topical corticosteroids are frequently suggested by doctors for relieving itching along with other kind of treatments. Mild ointments of corticosteroids are suggested for areas including skin folds and face. Their overuse can thin the skin. Another treatment is to use vitamin D analogues as they slow the growth of skin cell. Dovonex is a cream which contains this element for treating moderate to mild psoriasis. Vectical or Calcitriol can be costly but it irritates less in comparison with calcipotriene.

Anthralin helps in slowing the growth of skin cell. It can remove the present scales and smoothen the skin. However, skin can be irritated by it and anything in contact with it is stained. Topical retinoids are the derivatives of Vitamin A which might lower inflammation. But it also irritates the skin and raises sun sensitivity. Calcineurin inhibitors also are effective in reducing plaque buildup and inflammation. But they are not suggested for a consistent use as there is a risk of lymphoma and skin cancer. Salicylic acid can be suggested by a doctor as it reduces scaling while promoting the sloughing of skin cells which are dead. Sometimes, it is used with options like coal tar for increasing its efficiency. It is present in scalp solutions and medicated shampoos for treating scalp psoriasis.

Coal tar is extracted from coal and it decreased inflammation, itching, and scaling. Skin can be irritated by it. Although moisturizers cannot treat psoriasis but they can certainly decrease dryness, scaling, and itching. In an ointment base, moisturizers are normally more efficient compared to lotions and lighter creams. Phototherapy utilizes artificial or natural ultraviolet light. Its easiest type includes exposure of skin to a controlled amount of sunlight. UVB phototherapy involves using a controlled dose of UVB light from an artificial source of light for improving the symptoms of psoriasis. Broadband UVB is also used for calling it and it can be utilized for treating widespread psoriasis and even little patches.

Narrow band UVB phototherapy is actually a new type of treatment and it might be more efficient compared to UVB treatment. Usually, it is administered three or two times each week until improvement occurs in the skin. Goeckerman therapy involves both coal tar and UVB treatment as they prove to be more effective when together. PUVA or Psoralen plus ultraviolet A is a type of photochemotherapy which involves the consumption of psoralen before being exposed to UVA light. In comparison with UVB light, it penetrates deeper and psoralen plays the key role of increasing skin sensitivity to UVA.

Excimer laser is actually a kind of light therapy and is utilized for moderate or mild psoriasis. Healthy skin is not harmed by it and UVB light in a controlled manner is directed to plaques for controlling inflammation and scaling. This therapy needs less sessions in comparison with typical phototherapy as a potent UVB light is utilized. Blistering and redness can be included in side-effects. If a person has a severe psoriasis then it is possible for the doctor to suggest injected or oral drugs. Systemic treatment is all about this. Due to the extreme side-effects, it is possible for some medications to be used shortly.

Retinoids are associated with Vitamin A and this kind of drugs might be helpful if a person has a severe psoriasis which is not being affected by other methods. Hair loss is the prime side-effect of this treatment. Cyclosporine serves to suppress the immune system and it is the same as methotrexate in terms of effectiveness. However, it can be used for only a short time. Similar to other immunosuppressant medications, it raises the risk of health issues and infection which includes cancer as well. It makes a person more susceptible to blood pressure issues and kidney problems. With an increment in dosage, the risk also increases. Drugs which modify the immune system are validated for psoriasis treatment and they involve Taltz, Cosentyx, Otexla, and Simponi etc. Mostly, they are injected and are utilized normally for individuals who are unsuccessful in responding to typical treatment. Biologics have to be utilized with care as they have a strong influence on immune system while permitting infections which threaten life. Particularly, individuals receiving such a treatment might be screened in terms of tuberculosis. Some other medications like Drozia and Tabloid can be utilized as well when other drugs are not being consumed.