Psoriasis can be a real pain in…well, all over! The scaly patches which have taken over your body can make you feel less than beautiful or handsome. Sometimes they are red or flaky or even itchy.
The skin is the biggest organ of the body and it is the first thing someone notices about you. Psoriasis affects various parts of the body and is not contained to just one area. There are also many types including:
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Nail Psoriasis
- Scalp Psoriasis
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Inverse Psoriasis
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
There is the possibility of treating the psoriasis so that you can regain confidence in yourself and your skin. While many treatments are readily available either over the counter or by prescription, how can we know which one will be the most effective?
What is Psoriasis Treatment?
There are three categories of psoriasis treatments which include topical, light therapy, and oral medications. All three categories have the same results:
- Stop the overproduction of skin cells which increase plaque and inflamed skin
- Smooth roughened skin and decrease scales on skin
Topical medicines come in cream or ointment form and ease mild to less moderate kinds of psoriasis. When the autoimmune skin disease is on the more severe side, the topical creams and ointments can be used simultaneously with oral medications. Topical Creams and ointments include:
- Topical corticosteroids: Help decrease inflammation in the skin as well as decreases skin cell production which causes irritation and itching. Strength of the corticosteroids depends on the severity of the psoriasis as well as the location o the body. For instance, a lower dosage may be used on the face area while a higher dosage may be used on the arms or legs.
- Vitamin D analogues: A cream or ointment containing Vitamin D to help decrease skin cell growth. Works well alongside other creams and phototherapy. Individuals with skin disease are said to have a deficiency in vitamin D; this is where the treatment has been derived from.
- Anthralin: A cream-based medication which is used, then washed off as it stains the skin. Used to help rid the skin of scales and smooth skin over. Can help balance skin cell production.
- Topical retinoids: May help decrease inflamed skin and balance skin cell production. Has been used for treating acne but has recently been shown to help psoriasis, as stated by Mayo Clinic.
- Salicylic acid: Comes either over the counter or by prescription. Helps relieve the skin of dead skin cells and to smoothen out rough skin. Should not be used over long periods of time. Can also be used in shampoo form for the scalp.
- Coal tar: Exactly how it sounds, it is a thick black substance that comes from manufacturers of petroleum and coal. It is the oldest known effective product used for treating psoriasis.
Light therapy or phototherapy is used to help stop skin cells from developing thus allowing for decrease in scales and itchy skin. Types of light therapy include natural sunlight, UVB phototherapy, Narrowband UVB therapy, Photochemotherapy, and Excimer Laser Therapy. All of these therapies use some sort of form of ultraviolet light waves to help decrease the psoriasis symptoms.
Oral medications can also be taken to help relieve the individual of psoriasis. These medications include Retinoids, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Hydroxyurea, and Immunomodulator. The oral medications are usually used with more severe cases of psoriasis and are normally not taken for long periods of time. They are also used alongside other treatments such as topicals.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Psoriasis Treatment?
The Journal of American Academy Dermatology issued guidelines in 2009 for topical treatments of psoriasis. The guidelines show that almost 80% of the patients being treated for psoriasis have less than 10% of their body being affected by the disease. This makes them good candidates for topical therapies.
The topical creams are highly effective as well as safe. Depending on your severity, length of use will vary as well as if additional treatments are necessary. If you are nursing or pregnant, consult your physician before attempting topical medications as well as if they are going to add in supplemental treatments such as light therapy. If the you have a moderate to severe case of psoriasis, topical creams should not be used alone and should include additional therapies.
If you are considering light therapy or oral medications in addition to the topical treatments, consult with your physician to ensure you are the right candidate. If you are nursing, pregnant, or looking to conceive, you should not take oral medications for psoriasis as it can cause birth defects. Again consult with your physician in order to obtain up-to-date information on all medications.
Benefits
The benefits of seeking psoriasis treatment is the reduction of psoriasis symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- Scaly skin
- Itchy skin
- Red, flaky skin
- Overproduction of skin cells
The most important benefit would be the higher self-esteem you feel once your skin condition is under control. The patient would be mentally, physically, and emotionally better.
Risks
Overuse of topical medications can cause the skin to thin out. Depending on the severity of the psoriasis and the medicine used, lengths of use will vary. Photo therapy or light therapies have the risk of the patient getting sunburned. Patients undergoing this kind of therapy usually have to visit the medical office three times a week and will have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.
Oral medication are used for more sever cases of psoriasis and carry several risks. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, oral medications should not be used by nursing patients, pregnant patients, or patients in childbearing years. Certain medications can cause risks including:
- Methotrexate: nausea, fatigue, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, anorexia, white blood cell and platelet deficiency, liver damage and lung scarring. This oral medication can also cause birth defects as well as miscarriage.
- Cyclosporine: glomerulosclerosis and scarring of the kidney’s blood vessels.
- Acitretin: alopecia, nausea and abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain, and can cause birth defects.
When attaining psoriasis therapies, you should be closely watched by your physician. If any side effects seem to be occurring, seek medical attention immediately. As always, consult with your medical doctor before proceeding with any treatment.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
