Psoriasis Treatment

 

Psoriasis Treatment Overview

While at this present time there is no actual cure for psoriasis there is however many effective psoriasis treatment options available.  The objective of the treatments is to slow the rapid growth of skin cells thereby also reducing the inflammation and redness of the skin, and also to remove the silver white plaques resulting in a return of normal smooth skin.

This diverse range of options has resulted from two significant problems associated with trying to find the best Treatment For Psoriasis for the individual patient.

1.    Unpredictability: Even while showing major signs of improvement during treatment, psoriasis will flare up and break out for no apparent reason at all.

2.    Varying Effectiveness:  While one patient may experience success with a certain treatment another person with the same symptoms can experience no benefit at all from the same treatment.

Doctors will generally consider the following when determining an initial treatment:

•    The type of psoriasis
•    The severity (The total body area covered by the disease)
•    The location on the body
•    The age and medical history of the patient

Due to the possible side effects associated with the medication it is common to start with the milder forms if the situation allows.  Obviously the types of pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis will require immediate treatment and possible hospitalization.

Three Main Types Of Psoriasis Treatment:

1.    Topical Treatments
2.    Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
3.    Systemic (Oral or injection)

Topical Treatments

Used for mild to moderate cases, generally less than 10% of the body, creams, lotions, ointments and shampoos are used.  Some side effects include staining of the skin and cloths whilst some tar products have an unpleasant odor.

Phototherapy

Used for moderate to severe cases and while it can be used as a standalone treatment is usually used in conjunction with either topical or systemic medication. By the use of ultraviolet light either naturally, by controlled exposure to the sun, or by artificial means under the supervision of a medical professional.  Side effects include skin damage and other associated risks if too much exposure.

Systemic

Used for severe or disabling psoriasis and is given by oral medication or injection.  Due to the serious side effects they can only be used for short periods of time.  The majority of these drugs use a method by which the immune system is restricted which leaves the patient susceptible to serious infection.  They will only be used when it is believed that the benefit outweighs the risk.

A common technique used by Doctors is called rotational therapy whereby psoriasis treatments are changed roughly every six to twenty four months to minimize any side effects and also the possibility of the treatment losing its effectiveness.

Alternative Psoriasis Treatment

There are many natural psoriasis products available today all of which claim to have success in the treatment of psoriasis.  Medi - honey and celery products are just two of the large variety available.

There have also been studies that have shown an improvement by reducing stress and using muscle relaxation techniques.  One particular patient known to the author was able to virtually eliminate his plaque psoriasis after suffering the condition for twenty five years by using a combination of topical creams and meditation.

As stated previously, trial and testing is very important in finding the psoriasis treatment that works for you, so ensure to make an extensive search in your goal to find your psoriasis cure.