Psoriasis | Psoriasis Treatment, How to Cure Psoriasis Permanently, Tips

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which is, in most cases, genetically inherited. The word ‘psoriasis’ comes from the Greek language and means ‘to itch.’ When a person suffers from this condition, there will be reddish eruptions on the skin’s surface. They begin to turn into hard plaques in a while. In some cases, psoriasis may be so mild that the person carrying it may not even be in the know.

Phototherapy for Psoriasis

When psoriasis reaches a stage where it can’t be controlled by topical treatments anymore, it may be advisable to take to phototherapy or light therapy.

Ultraviolet rays or Light, emitted from the sun, can be effective in curbing or slowing down skin cells’ growth. Though exposing your body to the sun may be one way of doing it, artificial lamps and lasers help ensure accuracy in the area that needs treatment.

SUN-NING IT

Well, we aren’t inviting you to bask at the sunlit beach. Too much sun might result in a sunburn. But, yes, if your doctor suggests that you get some sun each day, you would want to do it. Getting sun exposure helps in the reduction of psoriasis. Twenty minutes of sun each day should do the trick. You could always get more information from your medical practitioner.

ULTRAVIOLET B

UVB or Ultraviolet B comes into the picture when merely sunlight can’t help you. While undergoing UVB therapy, you will be exposed to UVB rays/lights that are similar to the ones you get from sun exposure. The difference herein will be that you can, with accuracy, use the correction therapy on the affected patch of skin, thus saving the rest of your healthy skin from over-exposure to the harsh sun.

Your doctor may do the treatment at his clinic. In some cases, the docs prefer recommending a phototherapy lamp, which you can bring home and get these treatments while you sit in your own house’s comfort! Typically, the treatment will last for three to five days of the week; and will have to be undergone for a period of 2 – 3 months.

UVB treatment is, in some cases, combined with another form of treatment to increase its effectiveness. The most common example of this is its merging with the Goeckerman regimen, wherein UVB therapy is used with coal tar.

The narrow-band UVB is another form of therapy, during which the devices are refined in order to use only the wavelengths of Ultraviolet B that will best help fight psoriasis. It helps lower the level of potential risks due to this treatment.

PSOLAREN PLUS ULTRAVIOLET A

Also known as PUVA, this therapy uses a different ultraviolet light band to treat the skin condition. UVA is combined with psoralen, which is a medicine available in both oral and topical forms. It helps in making the skin more sensitive to Light. Since this method incorporates both light and medication techniques, it is referred to as ‘photo-chemotherapy.’

PUVA is effective in clearing up severe cases of psoriasis quickly and is known to show long-lasting effects.

In hindsight, however, it does come with its own set of drawbacks. It has, in many cases, caused nausea, headaches, exhaustion, burning, and itching. PUVA over a long time is also known for making a person more susceptible to skin cancer.

PUVA is recommended only in extreme cases when other treatments have not worked for the patient. Around 25 treatment sessions with your doctor should generally show you the desired results.

Since solar decreases your body’s sensitivity to light, it is of utmost importance that you shield your skin and eyes after undergoing this form of therapy. Sunglasses are strongly recommended for 12 hours after a PUVA session.

LASERS

Lasers make things even more accurate. Since the beam of Light radiates only the affected area, it does no harm to the healthy skin surrounding the area. This helps in reducing the side effects that are generally seen due to phototherapy. Laser treatment will also call for lesser treatment sessions than the conventional methods of treatment.

Keep an eye out for blisters after these therapy sessions. If you notice any, contact the doctor immediately.

WARNING

Sunburn can irritate your psoriasis, so take care not to overdo it. Use sunblock when you go out for a walk. During PUVA, UVB, and LASER treatments, make sure that the healthy skin is covered with cloth or sunscreen.

There are a number of medicines that can increase your sensitivity to Light. Some of these are prescribed for high blood pressure and are in the form of antibiotics. They should be avoided at the time of treatment.

What does psoriasis look like: Not beautiful at all!

Psoriasis is non-contiguous, a common skin condition, causing rapid skin cell production, such as that it results in reddish and dry patches and skin getting thickened. This leads to building up of skin and culmination of dead skin cells as well, in turn, all this causes skin scales as well as dry skin flakes. Psoriasis has many forms, and types depending on its duration, place affected, and severity. Affected skin of psoriasis is commonly on the skin of the scalp, elbows, and knees.

A number of research and studies that have been conducted on Psoriasis skin condition have cases that are of mild psoriasis that is small patches, which are faint color and of dry skin, such that an individual who has a mild case of psoriasis most of the time does not even suspect of them having this medical condition of the skin. But some unfortunate people have such severe cases of psoriasis such as which virtually covers in forms of patches in their entire body, patches of red and scaly skin which is thickened.

Psoriasis is well thought of as a non-curable skin condition that tends to a chronic skin condition known to affect the long-term skin condition. Psoriasis skin condition has a variable course that is periodically psoriasis is improving or worsening after some period. At times psoriasis has been known to get clear for some years or rather stay in remission. But this is considered to be a non-curable skin condition, though psoriasis can be not cured, there are treatments for psoriasis symptoms. Also, it is observed that during winters, some people with psoriasis skin conditions experience worsening of their symptoms and skin condition. Some people have worsening of their symptoms in the colder winter months.

Moreover, the researches conducted have reported that many people with psoriasis skin condition have stated improvements in their skin conditions during warmer months or climates. When they are exposed more to sunlight, they experience fewer symptoms, and their psoriasis skin condition improves.

Psoriasis skin disorder has been reported worldwide, in all the human races, and in both the sexes. Even though psoriasis is observed to affect people at any age, from babies to older people, most common patients who are initially and first diagnosed are mostly in the age bracket of early adulthood years.

What does psoriasis look like is very important to know? As mentioned earlier, mild cases of psoriasis get undiagnosed, which in turn increases and thus becomes a severe case by spreading and affecting other parts of the skin of the body. Also, knowing the psoriasis systems helps, for people, can then go to a dermatologist for further advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Getting back to what psoriasis looks like, the answer to this question is psoriasis skin condition typically has looks like skin areas of red/ pink in color and skin of that area is thickened well as raised, and akin is very much dry. It characteristically affects skin areas of one’s elbows, or on knees, and also commonly on Scalp. Essentially, though any area of the body could be involved, psoriasis skin condition happens mostly in skin areas that experience skin trauma, repeated rubbing, or abrasions.

Psoriasis has many different appearances. It may be small flattened bumps, large thick plaques of raised skin, red patches, and pink mildly dry skin to big flakes of dry skin that flake off.

Psoriasis has several different types, including what does psoriasis looks like of these types:

Psoriasis Vulgaris: most common type

Guttate psoriasis: symptoms are of small and drop like spots

Inverse psoriasis: this skin condition happens in folds like that of the skin of underarms, buttocks, and navel

Pustular psoriasis: small blisters that are liquid-filled and are of yellowish color

Palmoplantar Psoriasis: Additionally, a separate entity affecting primarily the palms and the soles is known as palmoplantar psoriasis.

Auspitz sign: When a person with psoriasis pulls one of the white small dry flakes of the affected skin, this cause’s tiny blood spot on the skin, such condition is medically referred to as a particular diagnostic sign of psoriasis which is called as the Auspitz sign.

Genital lesions Psoriasis: this skin condition happens mostly on the head of the penis

Psoriasis in the moist areas like that of the navel, also in area between the buttocks that is a skin of the intergluteal folds, if psoriasis happens, it looks like flat and red patches. This is atypical appearance is mostly confused with various other forms of skin conditions such as:

Fungal infections
Yeast infections
Skin irritation
Bacterial Staph infections

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Before a person can become successfully educated in the proper way to know psoriasis symptoms, they must first learn what this condition is. Psoriasis is a skin disease that is quite common and affects how long skin cells remain alive. This condition causes cells to accumulate on the skin’s surface at an accelerated rate. This results in the formation of silver looking scales that are itchy and dry and produce red patches that, in some cases, can become quite painful. Psoriasis is a condition that is long-lasting or recurring. There will be times when the condition gets better or nearly disappears as well as other times when the condition becomes much worse.

In some cases, psoriasis can be a disabling condition, particularly when it is linked to arthritis. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are various treatments that offer various degrees of relief. Some such treatment methods may include the use of cortisone cream and limited sunlight exposure.

Before it can be determined if you are affected by this often grotesque-looking skin condition, it is first necessary to know the symptoms of psoriasis. Each case is different however some of the most common symptoms include patches of red skin that are covered with silvery scales, small areas in which the scales appear to be peeling off, severely dry and cracked skin that may bleed on occasion, itching, burning, soreness, nails that are thickened, pitted or ridged as well as swollen and stiff joints.

The presence of these patches of psoriasis can vary from small areas of dandruff-like scaling to massive breakouts that cover extensive areas. The more severe a particular case is, the more disfiguring, disabling, and painful the condition will be.

In most cases, psoriasis goes through cycles meaning that it will flare up for several weeks or months and then retreat for a period of time. However, the condition almost always returns at some point in time.

Now that you know psoriasis symptoms, there are a couple of key points to remember, including diagnosis and treatment. Just like any other illness or disease, the occurrence of psoriasis must be properly evaluated before it can be positively diagnosed, and it must be correctly diagnosed before it can be effectively treated.

The primary goal of the treatment of psoriasis is to interrupt the cycle that leads to the excessive production of skin cells, which decreases the amount of plaque that forms and the amount of swelling or inflammation present. Another objective of psoriasis treatment includes removing the scales present and returning the skin to a smooth state. This objective is often achieved through topical treatments such as cortisone cream and the like. There are three basic types of psoriasis treatments available, including topical treatments, light therapy, and oral medications. Which treatment is used often depends on how severe a person’s particular condition is as well as the particular type of psoriasis that is present.

What Are Causes Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis, which is unpredictable as well as very irritating, is considered to be one of the most persistent and baffling of skin disorders. The main character of this skin condition is skin cells multiplying up to ten times faster than usual. In these underlying cells reaching the skin surface and thereafter die, their sheer volume causes raised, reddish plaques, which are covered with the white scale. Psoriasis usually occurs on one’s knees, elbows, and Scalp, commonly though it may also affect one’s torso, or on palms, and feet’s soles.

The psoriasis symptom varies depending upon the type you have. Common symptoms for psoriasis include:

Plaques of reddish skin
It was covered with loose and silver-colored scales.
Lesions can be itchy as well as painful.
At times psoriasis skin gets crack and then even bleeds.
In severe cases, the irritated skin’s plaques would grow; merge into other plaques, thus blending in one another, covering larger areas.
Disorder of psoriasis in nails of fingers and toe: includes discoloration as well as pitting of nails. The nails can begin to crumble and may even detach from the nail bed.
Scalp Psoriasis: have scales of Plaques or crust on infected person’s Scalp.

Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis cases have been associated with psoriatic arthritis because of psoriasis, leading to the development of swelling and causing pain in people’s joints. The National Psoriasis Foundation has given estimation that 10% – 30% of people having psoriasis also may have psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis can happen in various forms; each differs because of its location or duration as well as severity. The most common form of psoriasis is pf plaque psoriasis, and thereafter, it is Scalp psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis has symptoms such as reddish, scaly, and cracked skin, which can occur on palms, back, torso, chest, legs, etc. Psoriasis on hands and/or feet having tiny pustules is known as pustular psoriasis.

Psoriasis is rather uncomfortable and causes disfiguring kind of skin disease, and is persisting such that it is difficult to treat and leads frustration in person with psoriasis. This skin condition comes/goes that is cycles of remissions and having flare-ups over an individual’s lifetime. Psoriasis treatments have medications and other therapies, helping in clearing up of red patches, scaly, and thickened skin, all hallmarks or symptoms of psoriasis, even though there is no cure as such, but treatment to relieve psoriasis symptoms.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Understanding psoriasis causes will be helpful in preventing the occurrence of psoriasis as prevention is better than cure.

Psoriasis causes: there are a variety of factors such as:

Emotional stress

Trauma to skin: especially to dry skin like getting hurt and wear and tear of skin

Streptococcal infection

These factors can cause psoriasis episodes.

Recent studies that conducted research have indicated psoriasis causes is because there is some kind of abnormality in the affected person’s immune system, as per the studies’ report this is a key causal of psoriasis. Research conducted has shown evidence regarding that at least 80% of the people that had flare-ups coz of psoriasis have reported experiencing recent emotional trauma, which is like the death of a loved one or because of a new job etc. Many researchers have a belief that there are external stressors, which serve as triggers for already inherited defects in the immune function.

As mentioned above, injured skin or trauma to skin can also be Psoriasis causes.

Certain drugs are known to aggravate psoriasis, including some types of blood pressure medicines, medications such as beta-blockers, and antimalarial medications like hydroxychloroquine.

Psoriasis has shown genetic causal also, as it tends to run in families, though also known to skip generations; like grandfather and grandson can get affected, but child’s mother though never develops the disease. While psoriasis can be stressful as well as embarrassing, but most outbreaks are rather relatively harmless and appropriate treatments, causes symptoms to subside within a few months.

Honey Can Alleviate Symptoms of Psoriasis

Honey, when applied externally on the skin area affected by psoriasis along with other conventional psoriasis treatments, yields great effects. Honey soothes the skin areas affected by psoriasis, decreases the skin inflammation, and makes sure that the damaged skin does not get infected. After applying honey on psoriasis affected skin for a few days, you will experience a significant reduction in the peeling, patching, and dryness of the skin. Moreover, psoriasis wounds, i.e., the bleeding and cracked skin and pustules, stay protected from all external infections. The antifungal and antimicrobial characteristics of honey do not allow fungus or bacteria to invade the wounds for infecting them. Other than all these, the application of honey on psoriasis affected skin area promotes new skin growth.

Now, we will be discussing a few effective honey-based preparations that will offer the benefits discussed above.

Recipe 1:

The first recipe includes the use of olive oil, bee wax, and honey. Mix all these three ingredients in 1:1:1 ration. Apply the mixture gently on the skin areas affected by psoriasis and leave it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, wipe it off using a wet and clean cloth.

Recipe 2:

In this recipe, the ingredients used are clobetasol propionate, olive oil, bee wax, and honey. Like the previous recipe, this one is not an organic recipe due to the presence of clobetasol propionate. The application procedure of this mixture is the same as the previous one.

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Recipe 3:

The 3rd recipe in prepared using Vaseline and honey. This mixture is excellent in eliminating the dry and patchy skin caused by psoriasis. Mix the two ingredients in a 1:1 ratio and apply it on your affected skin. Using this mixture regularly will make your skin moist. You will successfully prevent further peeling and cracking of the skin.

Manage Your Stress to Help Your Psoriasis

Psoriasis is said to be a chronic disorder of the skin characterized by reddish patches of scaly skin that are generally caused by inflammation and are known to most commonly affect the knees, elbows, and Scalp and the groin.

Psoriasis, as a condition, could either be extremely mild or could be severe; and when severe, it could impair a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

Psoriasis and Stress – The Connection:

A few people may have stress act as a trigger when it comes to their psoriasis outbreak. In a survey conducted by Scandinavian researchers, more than three-quarters of the respondents said that their case of psoriasis had been exacerbated due to stress, and another 35% agreed that the onset of this disease had been at a time that was replete with stress and trauma.

Although not enough research has been conducted on this claim that reducing or managing stress could help psoriasis, a number of psoriasis patients swear by the strategy.

Try these techniques that may help you in managing your stress and see whether it can control your flare-ups.

Meditation:

According to a 1998 study that was conducted at the University of Massachusetts, patients of psoriasis who were said to listen to music, especially the stress-reducing meditation tapes were said to benefit the most from their phototherapy sessions. They noticed their lesions clear up faster.

Meditating for about 15 to 20 minutes every day could make a world’s difference. You could begin with some classes at the Buddhist centers and some YMCAs. You could also look for DVDs and audiotapes, and it would be possible to listen to guided meditations online.

Move It:

Whether it is about running, swimming, yoga, or just plain old walking, exercise is said to do a good world when it comes to reducing stress. If you remain consistent at an exercise regime, it will keep your skin clear as well. Psoriasis patients might notice how their first outbreak came at a time when they first became inactive in life.

It’s Okay To Say NO:

If your to-do list seems to be longer than the 24 hours that are packed into a single day, then perhaps it is time for you to shift around your priorities. If you do not have any ‘me’ time left, then it would mean something needs to be attended to. Take a look at your responsibilities and schedule; then, you might want to delegate or drop certain things that may not seem so important.

Get Support:

According to another study, it was suggested that patients suffering from psoriasis are vulnerable to experiencing social isolation. A support group might help in this case, and they could improve their psychological well being. Support groups help in sharing their experiences with each other, and this can have a very cathartic experience and could help them in learning coping strategies from other people.

Etanercept Is an Effective Biologic Treatment for Psoriasis

Etanercept is a biologic treatment for psoriasis. It is basically a fusion protein that is quite similar to the soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and it has also been approved by the FDA as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Today, Etanercept is known for treating psoriasis, and it has been approved in many countries, including the USA and Canada.

According to several medical studies, most of the patients who are given Etanercept treatment or psoriasis have shown significant improvement in their condition within a period of 90 days. On the whole, more than 3 out of every four patients have seen remarkable improvements in the condition. Etanercept works really fast, and it helps patients in improving over a period of 2 months.

Etanercept is not just used for treating psoriasis but is it also a recommended medication for psoriatic arthritis. In some patients, Etanercept has also been used after psoriasis relapsed, and the results were very effective. Biologics have significance when these are used for treating psoriasis. Unlike other medicines that have been used for treating psoriasis, biologics work by blocking the disease much early in the development stage. It also works towards the improvement of the immune system, which is known to be a telltale cause of the condition.

Etanercept, though considered as an effective option for psoriasis, may result in a number of side effects that cannot be ignored. As with the majority of medicines, Etanercept side effects can cause mild to moderate discomfort in people. Some of the common side effects of Etanercept include dizziness, pain, headache, redness, bruising, burning, itchiness, swelling, and inflammation around the site of injection.

Prolonged use of Etanercept for psoriasis treatment can as well lead to some serious side effects that manifest in the form of severe allergic reactions, such as hives, rashes, itching, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, lips, face, and tongue; butterfly rashes appearing on the cheeks and nose, chest pain, reduces mental alertness, increased pain during urination, frequent changes in mood and behavior, worsening cough and cold, numbness in the whole body, heavy breathing, rashes all over the face, arms and legs that worsens when exposed to the sunlight, seizures, swelling of the lymph, dark urine, unusual bleeding and bruising, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, pale skin tone, vision problems and shortness of breath.

Etanercept can have debilitating effects on the overall health, including the nervous system, the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and the gastrointestinal system.

Scalp psoriasis: More then dandruff

People initially think it was dandruff, but with itching and falling off so many flakes, this calls for attention, and then you are diagnosed by Scalp Psoriasis and baffled as what is this and how can you recognize that it’s not dandruff but something severe as Scalp Psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis: When on your Scalp, there are raised, reddish, and scaly patches appearing; it’s then a form of psoriasis and is called the scalp psoriasis. Like standard psoriasis, which can be affecting any different areas on the entire body, scalp psoriasis also results because of the overactive growth of the new skin cells. When cells start to grow quickly, it results in red lesions as well as white-looking scales that can begin to appear in the affected area.

Recent studies that have been conducted have shown that fifty percent of people, who have been affecting plaque psoriasis, are susceptible and can experience for once an episode of the scalp psoriasis during their psoriasis flare. Dermatologists usually diagnose the scalp psoriasis by doing a visual examination of the Scalp. To rule out any other condition, a biopsy can also be performed.

Scalp psoriasis may appear anywhere on your Scalp. It can appear in one spot, or even in the form of multiple patches, or if it is severe, it involves the entire Scalp. Sometimes, scalp psoriasis can even extend beyond Scalp, and it affects the forehead, as well as the back of the neck, and there are many cases of scalp psoriasis happening behind the ears.

Signs and Symptoms of the Scalp Psoriasis are:

On the Scalp, there are Reddish plaques. These Plaques initially be barely noticeable and then can range from getting thicker and even inflame.
Silvery-white scale: which is often developed on Scalp and silvery-white scale, is normally mistaken for being dandruff.
Dandruff-like flaking: When scalp psoriasis starts continual shedding of new skin cells, it is commonly taken as dandruff.
Dry Scalp: the Scalp tends to get more dry and scaly, and it can get so dry and severe that Scalp’s skin may crack and even bleeds.
Itching: though not all people having scalp psoriasis experiences itching. But some people who are unfortunate may experience mild itching, and others have such bad intense itching that it even interferes with daily life and cause sleep deprivation.
Burning sensation
Soreness: may also develop on Scalp.
Temporary hair loss: hair loss is also observed in a few of the cases though complete balding has not been observed. Hair loss may result because of frequent and intense scratching or when there is forcefully removing of scale. But once scalp psoriasis clears, hair normally do re-grow.

Dermatologists have said that’s unusual for anyone who is suffering from scalp psoriasis for long, even when psoriasis has got severe but with dermatologists help is sought after and respective treatment is followed as prescribed even the chronic psoriasis of Scalp can be treated, and this is not life long.

Scalp Psoriasis: Affects the Quality of the Life

The flare-up on Scalp ranges from being unnoticeable, to very mild, and to be very severe. Sometimes, though scalp psoriasis can be chronic, this can last for years. Sometimes only skin on Scalp do flares, but more than often, plaques simultaneously also develop in many other nearby areas. Unexpected flare-ups and long-lasting psoriasis extensively reduce a person’s quality of life.

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This is because scalp psoriasis cause flaking and even spreads beyond Scalp, and when it is not even camouflaged by hair, visibility of reddishness, reddish plaques, and silvery-white scales often causes other people to feel extremely uncomfortable. Because of this suffers, they feel more embarrassed and, at times, even ashamed. This affects their social life and may even affect their professional life with not able to attend any meetings etc. Moreover, it affects an individual’s self-esteem as well as self-confidence.

And not only health is affected because of scalp psoriasis, when there is severe and intense itching being experienced, one it gets embarrassing, with falling of flakes, other scalp itches so much that it starts to interfere with their everyday life and to cause sleep deprivation which can result in a person feeling tired and fatigue because of the lack of sleep and causes a person to be more irritable and even have mild depression.

Psoriasis Treatments: Medications and Therapies

The skin condition of psoriasis, as per the recent studies that have been conducted as reported, affects above five million adults in the United States. Experiencing the inflammatory skin conditions has such broad assortment in its severity, ranging from skin condition going unnoticed by people, while there are severe cases where the psoriasis is covering the whole body. Even though the Psoriasis skin disorder is not known to be contagious, rather genetics are known to be playing a role, because the studies also showed that skin condition of psoriasis is known to run in the families.

Control Psoriasis Triggers

One of the very effective actions that need to be taken for Psoriasis Treatments is patients of psoriasis must take certain measures, which will make them avoid things that are known to trigger a flare-up or cause aggravation in this skin disorder. Psoriasis triggers could include:

Emotional stress
Trauma to skin: for example cut/ scratch/ dry skin/ itching
Infections: for example as of strep throat
Drug reaction: for example from the antimalarial medication
Reactions to lithium
Reactions to beta-blockers
Cold or dry weather
Allergies
Sunburn

Advice: Dermatologists have recommended keeping skin moisturized in order to avoid the itching. In case if there is itching occurring, then with the application of cold compress with a wet towel helps in soothing the area and helps in controlling itching as well.

Non-Prescription Creams

For Psoriasis treatments, there are ointments and creams which have ingredients of petrolatum paraffin as well with vegetable oils, which helps in reducing the unpleasant scaling of the skin, a characteristic sign of psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatments also include Topical creams that have salicylic acid, which is effective in softening the skin and removing the scales and prepares skin for receiving added topical creams.

Some of the oldest Psoriasis treatments are the coal-tar creams as well as its shampoos. These have been known to be effective in decreasing the building-up of the dead skin that main causal of psoriasis.

All the above mentioned non-prescription creams have minimal side effects, therefore considered as safe as well as they are effective for treating mild-moderate psoriasis cases.

Types Of Treatment For Psoriasis

Corticosteroids/cortisones

Corticosteroids/cortisones are known to reduce the inflammations and effective in temporarily controlling these skin conditions. Corticosteroids must be used only when prescribed and under his specific directions of the dermatologist because the dose strength of the Corticosteroids preparation must be appropriate for part of the body under treatment. Though Corticosteroids have side effects such as:

Thinning of the skin
Dilated blood vessel
Bruising stretch marks
Skin discoloration

If corticosteroids get used for a prolonged time span, then skin condition may become resistant. Also, if the case is more difficult, a dermatologist can opt for injecting the cortisone.

Light-Based Psoriasis Treatments

UV lights can control the rapid growth of the skin cells, one cause of psoriasis. Doctors recommend sufferers of psoriasis for going to sunbathe. Thereafter there is Light-based therapy, which can also be used in a doctor’s office as well as in skincare facilities, which is an effective treatment option.

Dermatologist normally prefers to use Light-based therapy in combination with topical medication. Psoralen is one such medication used by the dermatologists with lots of success rates. In this therapy, the drug is consumed orally or may be applied topically; then, the skin is exposed to special ultraviolet lights. This treatment is though not much preferred, but used only when the case of psoriasis is severe enough and is not getting treated with just the medications. This is because this therapy requires between 30-40 treatments of PUVA per year for keeping psoriasis under control. Moreover, there are long-term side effects, which include skin getting premature aging, freckling, and it might even cause skin cancer.

Systemic Medications for Psoriasis

On of the medication for anti-cancer called Methotrexate, which is effective in interfering with building up of the skin cells, is also thereby effective in clearing psoriasis. But this is used only in those cases where all other effective treatments have failed to make any difference. Because this medication has severe forms of side effects like it may cause liver disease, as well as other minor side effects such as causing upset stomach, feelings of nausea, and experiencing dizziness, etc.

Accutane is another systemic medication which is used for controlling symptoms of psoriasis, but one of its serious side effects that are known to cause miscarriages as well as fetal disfigurations. Not just this, this medication can cause dryness of skin, lips as well as eyes, not only this it dries bone spurs and causes cholesterol to elevate, and triglyceride levels can also result.

Advice: Patients who are in planning to conceive or who have conceived and are pregnant definitely must not use this medication.

It is recommended that, as many treatments are available for controlling psoriasis, it’s better to talk in length and discuss with your dermatologist about the most appropriate psoriasis treatments course.

PSORIASIS TREATMENT

Psoriasis is a common skin condition. It occurs when the immune signals send out faulty messages that lead to the rapid reproduction of skin cells. Red, dry patches appear on the skin as a result of this miscommunication of sorts.

The most commonly affected areas are the skin on elbows, knees, and Scalp. The areas of skin that are affected have scaly patches on them, which are called psoriatic plaques.

Psoriasis haunts for life.

Psoriasis is said to be a condition without a cure. It may show signs of improvement; however, this will most definitely be followed by a phase where it worsens.

If reports are to be believed, then people living in warmer climates have claimed that exposure to sunlight has helped better their condition.

Psoriasis Treatments – known to better the condition

The treatment that is suggested to a patient would depend on a number of factors like the type of the disease, the severity of the case, and the body area involved.

Mild case

A person is said to have a mild case of psoriasis when the affected area comes up to less than 10% of the total skin surface. The best remedy in such cases is to use topical (skin applied) creams, lotions, and sprays. This could be accompanied by an occasional steroid injection which can be used on a tough or resistant psoriasis plaque.

Moderate to Severe case

In cases where around 20% or more of the body’s skin is affected, it is referred to as ‘moderate to severe cases.’ Topical medications may not make a significant difference in these cases, and it would be advisable to go in for stronger medications viz. pills, light treatments, or injections.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is widely associated with joint problems. In the case of mild psoriasis wherein the skin is clear; joint pain may be the only symptom to tell you that the person suffers from the disease. The disease that affects the joints in association with psoriasis is called psoriatic arthritis.

It is obvious that topical therapies would be ineffective in combating this situation. Systemic medications might help in this case.

Psoriatic arthritis can also be classified into two types –

Localized arthritis –

It will affect only one or two joints. It is not equipped to cause long term disabilities or deformities in the patient.

Generalized arthritis –

When arthritis spreads to more than three joints, it threatens to leave the patient disabled or deformed. Potent medications may be required to keep the condition under control. Surgery may be required in extreme cases.

Rotational Therapy

Most dermatologists are fully aware of the side effects caused by the medications used for psoriasis treatment. In order to minimize these, they suggest that the patient changes cycles of psoriasis treatments every six months to a year.

Some of the medications used to treat severe cases may have a long term effect on the liver, and this type of rotational therapy might avoid long term liver damage.