Psoriasis

Psoriasis: How to Treat A Common Skin Disease

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can be difficult to treat as there is no one treatment for everyone. However, it is possible to make the right choice when treatment options exist and reviews of the most effective treatments are available!

Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects the skin and often appears as red, scaly patches. The cause is unknown, but it may be aggravated by environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and smoke.

Psoriasis can be treated with medications and topical treatments. The most common medications used to treat psoriasis include topical steroids (such as prednisone) and ultraviolet light therapy. Topical treatments include creams, gels, lotions, or sprays. UV light therapy is the most effective form of treatment for psoriasis and can be done in a doctor’s office or at home using special equipment.

There is no known cure for psoriasis, but treatments can help improve symptoms. If you are experiencing psoriasis, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.

How to Diagnose Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. The patches may vary in size and shape, coming and going. Psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose because it can have many different symptoms. 

It is not clear what causes psoriasis. It may be that the cause is environmental and can also be triggered by stress, diet, or infection. It is known that psoriasis usually starts in childhood but can start as young as three weeks old. There are treatment options for treating psoriasis including medications and topical creams.

If you think you may have psoriasis, your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and a family history of the condition. You may also need to take a skin test to determine if you have the disease. If psoriasis is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options include topical medications, ultraviolet light therapy, and surgery.

How to Treat Psoriasis

To treat psoriasis, you will need to find an appropriate treatment plan that fits your needs. Some common treatments include topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic medications. It would be best if you also worked closely with a dermatologist who can help you develop a specific treatment plan for your symptoms and needs.

One option is to use a sunscreen with a high SPF, which will decrease the risk of sun damage which can lead to skin cancer. Another method is to use an over-the-counter topical treatment that contains cortisone, which may help with the inflammation associated with psoriasis. Some people also opt to try medical treatments like laser therapy or phototherapy.

Treatment Timelines

The disease typically affects the scalp, face, elbows, knees, and other areas of the body. There’s no one cure for psoriasis, but there are several treatments that can help relieve symptoms. 

Here’s a look at some of the most common treatments for psoriasis:

Topical medications: These include creams, ointments, and pills that are applied to the skin. Topical medications can help relieve symptoms by decreasing the amount of bacteria growth on the skin or stopping psoriasis from spreading.

Systemic medications: These are drugs that are taken by mouth and work throughout the body to treat psoriasis. Systemic medications may include biologics, such as infliximab (Remicade), teriflunomide (Amifostine) or etanercept (Enbrel), or traditional anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).

Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a type of treatment that uses sunlight or artificial light to improve psoriasis symptoms. This type of treatment is commonly used to treat psoriasis in specific areas, such as the hands or face, but this may be combined with other therapies to treat the entire body. Phototherapy treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should use sunscreen when going outside. 

Phototherapy is not recommended if you have active psoriasis, as this can make your psoriasis worse. You may want to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of phototherapy before considering it as a treatment option.

Oral steroids: These drugs (prednisone or methylprednisolone) may be prescribed in higher doses than those used for arthritis, but they are generally safe. These drugs can have side effects related to their long-term use. Some common side effects are fatigue, weight gain, loss of appetite, and depression.

You may want to ask a doctor whether your condition warrants using these drugs.

Final Thoughts

You can follow these guidelines below to help limit psoriasis.

-Stay hydrated, especially if you have dry skin. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

-Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen when necessary.

-Take supplements such as fish oil or vitamins C and E to help improve skin health.

-Use topical treatment options, such as corticosteroids or biologics, to manage symptoms.