Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which parts of the skin become thick, scaly and red. There is no cure for this disease. However, treatment provides relief from the associated symptoms.
Factors
Certain factors are put into consideration before psoriasis treatment begins. One of these factors is the type of psoriasis a patient has. The location of the disease and its severity are factors that are considered as well.
Types
Mild to moderate psoriasis is treated with topical psoriasis medications that can be applied to or rubbed on the skin. Moderate to severe psoriasis is treated with phototherapy. In phototherapy, ultraviolet light is applied to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis. Oral drugs and medications that are given by injection and infusion are used to treat psoriasis that is moderate or severe.
Effects
Some psoriasis treatments reduce signs of psoriasis such as scaly skin. While other treatments, such as laser therapy, make psoriasis go away for some time.
Side Effects
Skin Care Physicians states that phototherapy, such as pulsed dye laser therapy, can clear the skin of psoriatic plaque temporarily. This treatment may lead to burns in some patients. Topical medications for psoriasis such as anthralin reduce the signs of psoriasis on the skin and may also stain clothing. Also, psoriasis drugs taken by mouth, injection or infusion may have serious side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, eternacept is one drug given. The side effects of this drug is infection.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis Treatment
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis: Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: Biologic Drugs
- Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis Treatment and Drugs
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis--Topicals
- Skin Care Physicians: Laser Treatment for Psoriasis
