Overview of Usual Psoriasis Treatments

Nobody wants to have psoriasis. But you could not help developing it, if it runs in your family. The only consolation you may have is that the skin disorder currently has more options for treatment compared to all other skin diseases. Treatment could be applied externally or internally, depending on your choice and the need of your body. Physical treatments are also not ruled out. Whatever psoriasis treatment you choose, you could expect to get relief and freedom from the disease.

Because there are just too many psoriasis treatments available, you may have a hard or long time determining which works best. The ideal thing to do is to conduct a trial and error. The logistics could be daunting at most times. But you surely could expect drastic clearing of the skin with correct application or intake of treatment over time.

Topical treatments for psoriasis 

When you say topical, it means applied externally or to the surface of the affected skin area. Topical treatments include ointments, oils, creams, foams, lotions, and tapes. Such preparations could be bought by prescription or over-the-counter. In this regard, treating any part of the body affected by the disorder is possible.

In general, topical treatments for psoriasis are recommended to sufferers whose psoriasis is affecting less than 10% of the entire skin all over the body. If psoriasis is more severe, if it affects more than 10% of the skin, or if topical medications falter, systemic treatments are advised. Topical treatments may be daunting to some, particularly because many lotions and creams tend to be sticky and messy.

Systemic treatments for psoriasis 

Systemic treatments are generally medications that are not only aimed at treating psoriasis. Usually, they are medications that also treat other conditions all throughout the body. Who would not want to get one shot as treatment to all pain, diseases, and unlikely conditions in the body? In the case of this skin disorder, systemic treatments include injections and pills.

The now popular injectable biologics are systemic treatments for psoriasis. Though still new in the market, demand for such a medication is very high because it has been identified to curtail moderate to severe types of the skin condition. Even with just two injections in a month, psoriasis sufferers could be effectively disease-free. What’s more? Such injections could be administered right at the comfort of home. However, like all other medications, injection biologics are not without a few side-effects. Constant and regular monitoring by a physician is required.

Physical treatments 

As mentioned, there are physical treatments available. Phototherapy is most effective as a physical treatment. The procedure involved ultraviolet light. Artificial light is often utilized to facilitate this treatment. There is a procedure wherein a sun-sensitizing pill is ingested first before exposure to special light. Newer light treatments are available.

Heliotherapy is becoming popular because it uses natural sunlight as a good light source of ultraviolet radiation. Logically, ultraviolet rays are good in treating and controlling psoriasis flares. It is not surprising that it is used to bring about treatment. However, take note that light treatment is not advisable and not appropriate for all sufferers.

You could choose any psoriasis treatment from the abovementioned treatments. When undergoing medications, just like in other diseases, it is important to do procedures properly, on time, and as prescribed. Otherwise, the effort and the costs would only drain to futility.