The honest answer to that question is that it varies on the severity of your condition. That being said, there is a myriad of relief options available that we will go over here. In order to find the best psoriasis treatment specific to your condition, you will need to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.
In the meantime, you can learn about your psoriasis.
The first step to begin to ease the problem is understanding what psoriasis is. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by scaly skin cell build-up that is often itchy, uncomfortable, and painful. While it isn’t completely understood, psoriasis is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system. What dermatologists do know is that psoriasis speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. This build-up causes an accumulation of cells that results in red, scaly patches. This condition is chronic, and flare-ups usually coincide with stressful situations or during habits like smoking or drinking alcohol.
Symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Patchy, itchy skin
- Silvery, scaly skin
- Burning
- Soreness
- Stiff or swollen joints
Different types each call for a different psoriasis treatment.
Types include:
- Plaque psoriasis
- Nail psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Erythromdermic psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Finding the right psoriasis treatment will be individual for each person suffering from the condition, but treatments according to the Mayo Clinic include:
Topical treatments:
- Corticosteroids
- Vitamin D analogues
- Anthralin
- Topical retinoids
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Salicylic acid
- Coal tar
- Moisturizers
Light therapy:
- Sunlight
- UVB phototherapy
- Narrow band UVB phototherapy
- Goeckerman therapy
- Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)
- Excimer laser
Injected/Oral medications:
- Retinoids
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
- Biologics (drugs that affect the immune system)
- Thioguanine or hydroxyurea
Deschutes Dermatology | Psoriasis Treatment
The best and most effective way to find the psoriasis treatment right for you is to meet with a dermatologist. Dr. Carter at Deschutes Dermatology is well versed with the different options for psoriasis treatment. She has seen all types and can help you choose the right medication or procedure for your specific condition. Schedule a consultation today to get started in finding a reprieve to psoriasis.
Recent Comments