Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by over-reactive immune system cells. These cells, known as T-cells and dendritic cells, move into the outer layer of the skin and release chemicals that cause inflammation and stimulate the skin cells to grow. This results in psoriatic plaques, which are reddened, inflamed and scaly skin patches.
Step 1
Eat a healthy non-allergenic diet. Many foods trigger a flare-up of psoriasis in certain individuals. Because psoriasis is a disease of the immune system people with psoriasis should avoid foods that are allergenic. These include wheat gluten, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs and milk. Alcohol is also a common trigger for psoriasis.
Step 2
Use more than one topical treatment. Topical treatments for psoriasis primarily include vitamin D analogues, corticosteroids, and tar-based medications. A study published in 2009 evaluated the effectiveness of topical treatments in over 20,000 people with psoriasis. The authors concluded that most topical treatments reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and using more than one topical treatment is more effective than a single topical treatment (See Reference 2).
Step 3
Use UVB phototherapy. Ultraviolet light therapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB light is a specific wavelength of light found also in natural sunlight. UVB phototherapy kills the immune cells in the outer skin layers, reduces inflammation and decreases skin cell growth. UVB phototherapy involves regularly scheduled treatment sessions and a doctor's supervision. UVB phototherapy may be given in the doctor's office or UVB light boxes can be purchased and used at home.
Step 4
Take prescription medication prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about the many FDA approved drugs that are effective in treating psoriasis. Your doctor may prescribe medicine for psoriasis such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporine or stelara.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy non-allergenic diet
- Topical treatments
- UVB phototherapy
- FDA approved drugs
- Doctor
