Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting 7.5 million Americans, reports the National Psoriasis Foundation. The cause of the condition is unclear though it is believed to stem from immune system dysfunction, according to the Merck Manual. Symptoms of inflammation include red patches of skin covered in scaly, silver flakes, itching or burning skin, and cracked dry skin. The condition occurs on all parts of the body and is not contagious. Outbreaks range from mild to severe and occur suddenly or over long periods of time. The goal of psoriasis treatment is to decrease inflammation and remove skin scales; there is no cure for the condition.
Light Therapy
Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis. Ultra violet rays, natural and artificial, destroy T cells in the skin, which slows down cell production. Slow skin cell production reduces scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis. Natural or artificial light is used. The Mayo Clinic points out simplest and easiest method of light therapy is exposing skin to natural sunlight in controlled amounts. Short doses of natural sunlight are recommended; however, intense sunlight may causes symptoms to increase. Artificial treatment includes using tanning beds and light therapy lamps to expose skin to ultra violet A and B rays. Benefits of artificial therapy includes limited exposure to the effected skin area and the availability to receive treatment at any time.
Topical Treatments
Topical psoriasis treatments are recommended for light to moderate psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medications are placed directly onto the skin and scalp. Topical corticosteroids are the most common type of topical medication prescribed for psoriasis, reports the Mayo Clinic. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, decreasing inflammation and other symptoms associated with the condition. The medications range in strength from mild to strong. Corticosteroids have a variety of side effects, and the medication is only used during an active outbreak. One of the oldest topical treatments for psoriasis is coal tar. The product is a thick consisting of the byproduct of coal and petroleum production. It reduces scaling, itching and inflammation. A drawback to using coal tar is it is messy, claims the Mayo Clinic. The tar stains clothes and bedding, and has a strong smell. Moisturizers alone do not heal psoriasis outbreaks, but control itching and scaling. Thick moisturizing ointments are recommended over lighter creams.
Oral Medications
Oral medications or injections are used when light therapy or topical treatments are not effective. Medications are not always prescribed on a continuous basis due to strength level and potential side effects. Retinoids are commonly prescribed to reduce severe psoriasis. The medication is related to vitamin A and reduces skin cell production. The psoriasis often reoccurs once a person stops taking retinoids. Women must avoid pregnancy for three years if taking certain retinoids, such as acitretin; severe birth defects will result. Immunomodulator drugs are medications which block specific immune system cells in the body. The medications are given via injection or intravenous therapy. Severe, life-threatening infections are complications associated with some immunomodulator drugs.
