Psoriasis Treatment Options:

According to Everydayhealth.com, most psoriasis therapies aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly, reduce inflammation, and smooth out the skin. Proper psoriasis treatments can help clear the condition and improve your quality of life. What works for one person might not work for another, so keep trying therapies until you find one that’s effective for you. Doctors typically start with the mildest approach and move on from there. Psoriasis treatments reduce inflammation and clear the skin. Treatments can be divided into three main types: topical treatments, light therapy and systemic medications. (1)

Topical Psoriasis Treatments:

As noted by Mayoclinic.org, used alone, creams and ointments that you apply to your skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis. When the disease is more severe, creams are likely to be combined with oral medications or light therapy. Topical corticosteroids are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They reduce inflammation and relieve itching and may be used with other treatments. Mild corticosteroid ointments are usually recommended for sensitive areas, such as your face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches of damaged skin. Your doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroid ointment for smaller, less sensitive or tougher-to-treat areas. Long-term use or overuse of strong corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin. Topical corticosteroids may stop working over time. It’s usually best to use topical corticosteroids as a short-term treatment during flares. (2)

Light Therapy (Phototherapy):

This treatment uses natural or artificial ultraviolet light. The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms of light therapy include the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, either alone or in combination with medications, according to Mayoclinic. (3)

Psoriasis Medications:

If you have severe psoriasis or it’s resistant to other types of treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected drugs, according to Mayoclinic.org. This is known as systemic treatment. Because of severe side effects, some of these medications are used for only brief periods and may be alternated with other forms of treatment. (3)

Natural Psoriasis Treatments:

There are natural treatments that a person can take in order to treat their psoriasis as noted by Mayoclinic. A number of alternative therapies claim to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, including special diets, creams, dietary supplements and herbs. None have definitively been proved effective. But some alternative therapies are deemed generally safe, and they may be helpful to some people in reducing signs and symptoms, such as itching and scaling. These treatments would be most appropriate for those with milder, plaque disease and not for those with pustules, erythroderma or arthritis. (3)

  • Aloe vera. Taken from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, aloe extract cream may reduce redness, scaling, itching and inflammation. You may need to use the cream several times a day for a month or more to see any improvements in your skin. (3)
  • Fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, although results from studies are mixed. Taking 3 grams or less of fish oil daily is generally recognized as safe, and you may find it beneficial. (3)
  • Oregon grape. Also known as barberry, topical applications of Oregon grape may reduce inflammation and ease psoriasis symptoms. (3)

Whatever method you decide on, whether it be cream, oral medication, or natural remedies, you should check with your doctor before starting any treatments. You can find relief with many of these treatments, and make sure to explore different options to find which one is the best option for you.

Sources:

1.) https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/guide/causes/

2.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845

3.) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845