To treat psoriasis, the approach depends on the severity and type of psoriasis. Common treatments include:
Topical Treatments
- Corticosteroids: The most commonly prescribed for reducing redness, swelling, itching, and scaling, especially effective for scalp psoriasis. Usually safe when used as directed but may require alternating with other treatments to reduce side effects
- Vitamin D analogues (e.g., calcipotriene): Applied to slow skin cell growth and reduce scaling
- Anthralin (Dithranol): A tar cream that slows skin cell growth and removes scales, used short-term and not on sensitive areas like face or genitals. It can irritate skin and stain
- Coal tar: Sometimes used to reduce itching and scaling, available in shampoos and topical forms
- Moisturizers and scale softeners: Help keep skin hydrated and soften thick plaques, often containing salicylic acid
Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
- Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including UVB broadband, UVB narrowband, or PUVA (psoralen plus UVA), can slow skin cell growth and improve symptoms. Narrowband UVB is commonly used and effective. PUVA is more aggressive and used for severe cases but has more side effects
Systemic Medications
- For moderate to severe psoriasis or when topical treatments and phototherapy are insufficient, oral or injected medications (systemic therapies) are used to slow cell turnover and reduce inflammation. These include biologics and other immunosuppressants
Home and Alternative Remedies
- Dietary supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, aloe vera, and Oregon grape may help mild symptoms but lack strong evidence
- Preventing dry skin with moisturizers and humidifiers, avoiding skin irritants like fragrances, and soaking in lukewarm baths with soothing additives (e.g., oatmeal, Epsom salt) can alleviate symptoms
- Brief, controlled sunlight exposure may improve psoriasis but should be done cautiously to avoid skin damage
Treatment plans are often personalized, combining several methods to manage symptoms effectively while minimizing side effects. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best treatment strategy for individual cases
