Psoriasis – Treatments

Although there is nor cure for psoriasis there are several treatments that can help manage the condition and even clear the plauques.

Be very sceptical if someone claims to have the cure for psoriasis. 

It's very important to follow the instructions carefully and stick to the treatment as many treatments take a little while to work. Here's a brief list of common psoriasis treatments.

Topical Psoriasis Treatments

Emolients and Coal Tar preparations: Psoriasis is commonly treated with emolients to soften the skin. Other common treatments are those containg coal tar or anthralin. These reduce inflammation and scaling. Coal Tar and anthralin are effective but can leave an unpleasant smell and stain clothing and bed linnen. Anthralin should be applied to affected areas only as it can irritate healthy skin.

Vitamin D Derivatives. Alternatively your doctor may prescribe a topical preparation containing a Vitamin D derivative. This is usually appled twice a day. It has no smell, does not tain clothing and is usually effective in about four weeks. You should follow the advice of your doctor as this treatment should not be used on the face or in the folds of the skin. As they are not steroids these treatments may be safer for longer term use.

Topical Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids may also be used spraingly.

Moisturizers: Moisturisers are the mainstay to combat the dryness and should be used in large amounts and regularly.

Other Treatments

Light Therapy: For widespread psoriasis that does not respond to topicl treatments, therapeutic exposure to ultra-violet light can be very effective.

PUVA therapy: Involves using UV light therapy together with psoralen, an oral drug that makes the skin more sensitive to the effects of light.

Sunlight: Regular short doses of sunlight can help. Moderate exposure to the affected areas can be very beneficial during the summer months.

Oral and intravenous medication: In very severe cases of pustular psoriasis for which topical preparations may not be effective, treatment with oral or intravenous drugs may be recommended. The drugs for this treatment include Retinoids, the anti cancer drug methotraxate and the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin.

Chinese herbs: Chinese herbs in tablet, unfusion and cream can be very successful and are always worth trying.

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, treatment normally relieves the symtpoms and helps many people with the condition lead a normal life.

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