Psoriasis is an itchy and painful skin disorder, causing rashes, scaly patches, and itchy skin on the knees, scalp, and elbows. It can affect the daily functioning and reduce the quality of life. Treatment of psoriasis can be either systemic treatment, Phototherapy treatment or Topical treatments.
Systemic treatment
If your condition is serious, then you are a good candidate for systemic treatment that works throughout your entire body. It has potentially serious side effects but can be highly effective. Systemic treatment is broadly categorized into biological or non-biological. Consult your GP to understand the risks of systemic treatment.
Biological systemic treatment reduces skin inflammation in the affected area by targeting overactive cells in the immune system. They include Adalimumab, Etanercept, Ustekinumab, and Infliximab. They are prescribed by the dermatologist only if your condition is serious, or you cannot respond to other treatments.
The non-biological systemic medications are Methotrexate, Acitretin, and Ciclosporin. Methotrexate treats psoriasis by slowing down the production of skin cell but can cause dizziness and nausea. Acitretin is a highly intense medication and will only be prescribed as a last resort. Ciclosporin treats psoriasis by suppressing inflammation and the side effects include high blood pressure.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy treatment of psoriasis involves using natural and artificial light, slowing down the skin cell production. The three kinds of phototherapies used are Psoralen plus ultraviolet A, ultraviolet phototherapy, and combination therapy. These treatments are taken in hospitals and health centers.
For Psoralen treatment, your skin in the affected area is made sensitive using a cream. Then a light is shone on the area that penetrates your skin. Prolonged usage is not encouraged because the skin cells can become cancerous.
Ultraviolet phototherapy treatment uses a wavelength of light that is invisible and is especially effective for psoriasis patients who have not responded to any other treatments. You need to visit the hospital two or three times a week for about two months, with each session taking about 15 to 20 minutes. Combination therapy of psoriasis uses a measured combination of light therapy and ointments and creams.
Topical treatments
For mild to moderate psoriasis condition, your doctor would typically prescribe use a topical treatment. These are creams and ointments to be applied to the affected areas. Some people may find relief with topical treatment, although the recovery is slow and can take a long time before you notice any effect.
Emollients is another form of topical treatment for psoriasis that is applied to the affected area to reduce the loss of moisture. They work perfectly well with all mild cases of psoriasis. Emollients are best for retaining moisture that can reduce itching and scaling. You can buy them over the counter from a pharmacy or can be prescribed by a medical professional.
Steroid creams and ointments reduce inflammation and itching and slow the production of skin cell. They come in both mild and strong form but can only be used if prescribed by the GP. Stronger topical treatments can only be applied on thick patches or on small areas because overusing them can result in the thinning of skin.
