Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes itchy, red and scaly patches of skin on the body. Psoriasis can go into remission and then reappear. Treating psoriasis can be challenging.
Treatment
The goal of treatment s to stop the cycle that causes skin cells to grow, remove scaly skin and smooth the skin.
Creams and Ointments
Creams and ointments can be used alone or in combination with other medications. Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for mild to moderate psoriasis. Synthetic forms of vitamin D, available in a prescription cream, can slow down the growth of skin cells and help psoriasis. Anthralin is a prescription cream thought to normalize the DNA activity in skin cells and make the skin smoother. Coal tar, and moisturizers and creams to treat acne such as retinol and salicylic acid, can be combined with other treatments to help treat psoriasis, according to Mayoclinic.com.
Oral/Injected Medications
Methotrexate, retinoids, cyclosporine and hydroxyurea are oral and injected medications used treat severe psoriasis. These medications have severe side effects are usually only used for a brief time.
Light Therapy
Mayoclinic.com states that the easiest form of light therapy is exposing skin to controlled amounts of sunlight. Sunlight slows skin cell turnover, reduces inflammation and treats dry, scaly skin. Artificial ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light used alone or in combination with other treatments can improve psoriasis.
Considerations
Most doctors start with the mildest treatment and then progress to stronger treatments in order to minimize side effects.
