Everything you need to know about Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) skin condition in which the skin has red, itchy, and scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, scalp, etc. Having no cure, Psoriasis goes through cycles, with flare-ups lasting a few weeks or months, then diminishing or going into re-emission. There are treatments for Psoriasis available to assist you in managing your symptoms. You can also use lifestyle behaviors and coping skills to improve your psoriasis-related quality of life.

Options for Treatment for Psoriasis

While there is no cure for Psoriasis, therapy can slow down the growth of your skin cells, reducing inflammation and the creation of dry, raised, red patches (plaques). Scales can be removed, and your skin smoothens throughout the treatment. Based on the severity of Psoriasis and its location on your body, your doctor will recommend a treatment strategy. You can have a better dialogue with your doctor if you have an essential awareness of the possible treatments. To know about it, refer below to the following alternatives for treatment for Psoriasis.

Types of treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis has no known cure. Treatment, on the other hand, can make you feel better. You may need topical, oral, or systemic medications. There are effective strategies to manage Psoriasis flare-ups even if you have severe Psoriasis. You might be able to eliminate your symptoms fully.

1. Topical Treatment for Psoriasis 

Topical treatment for Psoriasis include ointments, creams

• Steroid creams - They can reduce edema and redness but is also an immunosuppressive steroid in the form of a cream. For something stronger, you'll need a doctor's prescription. Steroids have adverse effects and should not be used on sensitive places like the face or the genitals. They have the potential to burn or make the skin thin.
• Salicylic acid - Scaly skin can be softened and thinned with this treatment. However, if you keep it on for too long, it can irritate your skin. It may also weaken your hair follicles, resulting in temporary hair loss. If you apply salicylic acid to broad areas of the skin, it might get absorbed by the body.
• Coal tar ointment and shampoo - Psoriasis-related inflammation, itching, and scales are known to be relieved by coal tar. However, it can induce skin redness and dryness as a side effect. It can also increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays. These are not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inquire with your doctor about how to use it.
• Prescription retinoid - These are vitamin A ointment that have been synthesized. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a steroid at the same time. This may reduce the likelihood of retinoid-induced skin irritation.

2. Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis may be improved by everyday exposure to small amounts of sunlight. Intense sun exposure, on the other hand, might exacerbate symptoms and cause skin damage.

In persons with Psoriasis, light therapy can help slow down the growth of fast-growing skin cells.

• Narrowband UVB therapy - This is a specific type of UV light. You'll either stand in a lightbox or have another source of light passed over your body by your doctor. It's safe for youngsters, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and adults who have a weaker immune system or suffering from a chronic illness.
• Broadband UVB therapy - This emits a broader spectrum of UVB light. It isn't as commonly utilized as narrowband UVB therapy.
• Excimer Laser therapy (VTRAC) - Excimer laser therapy aids in the removal of red spots. By exposing them to focused ultraviolet B (UVB) rays,
• Psoralen + UVA (PUVA) - This treatment combines the medication psoralen with ultraviolet A or UVA light. Psoralen can be taken orally or in a bath by soaking your body with a psoralen solution. It increases the quantity of UVA light your skin can absorb by making it more sensitive to light. For Psoriasis, this combination is really effective. It is, however, an older treatment that isn't as widely utilized as narrowband UVB therapy.

Short- and long-term adverse effects are possible with phototherapy. It can make you feel sunburned and increase your chances of acquiring skin cancer if-

• You've had skin cancer
• You have a medical condition that might raise your chances of getting skin cancer
• Your persisting medical condition makes you more sensitive to UV light

3.  Systematic Treatment for Psoriasis

If previous therapies don't work or if you have moderate to severe Psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe medications that slow down your entire immune system. You'll either eat them or get a shot in your arm.

Some immunosuppressants used to treat Psoriasis include:

• Methotrexate - This is only for those who have severe symptoms. It can increase your chances of developing a liver illness, as well as lung and renal problems. Your doctor will perform lab tests on you regularly to ensure that your organs are in good working order.
• Cyclosporine - This is the treatment of choice for severe Psoriasis. It can result in excessive blood pressure and kidney issues. You can have skin sensitivity as well as muscular and joint pain.
• Oral retinoid - Acitretin is a kind of vitamin A that is synthesized. It's taken by mouth. It's unclear why it helps with Psoriasis, according to experts. They believe it's because retinoids slow down the growth of skin cells.

Retinoids taken orally can cause birth abnormalities. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not use these medications:

• You're pregnant, want to get pregnant, or to breastfeed.
• You have severe liver or kidney disease.
• You have high triglycerides.

4. Natural Treatment for Psoriasis

To alleviate symptoms, many people turn to herbs, vitamins, and other at-home cures. Just keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for you. Before making any changes or additions to your treatment plan, it's advisable to consult with your doctor. They'll tell you what's safe.

Here are a few most prevalent natural treatments for Psoriasis:

• Salt bath - This may help you itch less by lifting some of your scales—warm water with the Dead Sea or Epsom salts. Allow 15 minutes for soaking. After your bath, use a moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out.
• Colloidal oatmeal - Some people claim that soaking in an oatmeal bath or applying a paste to their skin makes their skin less red and irritated. There isn't much proof that it helps with Psoriasis.
• Aloe vera - For a limited duration, a lotion containing 0.5 percent aloe vera may help to reduce scales and redness. It is possible to use it up to three times each day.
• Apple cider vinegar - This is occasionally used to relieve irritation caused by Psoriasis on the scalp. It can be used a couple of times per week. Make sure the vinegar and water are mixed in the same proportions. If you don't, the vinegar will burn your skin. Any open wounds should be avoided.
• Healthy diet - There is no specific Psoriasis meal plan. If you're overweight or obese, losing weight may improve your symptoms. Experts believe this is because particular cells, such as those in your stomach, exacerbate inflammation. This makes it more difficult for your skin's and body's immune cells to function properly.
   

Conclusion

Keep your doctor up to date on your situation. Your care plan may need to be updated over time. This could help you in treating your psoriasis condition over time.