Patients with psoriasis have an immune system that attacks their skin cells. This immune response causes the cells to divide rapidly, leading to a scaly buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin. There are a variety of treatments for psoriasis. According to the FamilyDoctor.org, in most cases the symptoms of psoriasis will start to go away after 2 to 6 weeks of treatment.
Step 1
Use topical treatments. A variety of creams and ointments can be applied to the areas of the skin affected by psoriasis. These include corticosteroids, which can be obtained in over-the-counter or prescription-strength formulas. Calcipotriene, which is derived from vitamin D, can also be applied as a prescription-strength cream to treat psoriasis. Other topical treatments, including creams and ointments with anthralin, retinoids (such as tazarotene), salicylic acid, tacrolimus, and coal tar, can all be used to treat psoriasis and remove scales.
Step 2
Receive light therapy. In light therapy, also known as phototherapy, either natural or artificial light is used to relieve the scaling and other symptoms that psoriasis causes. The simplest form of phototherapy involves exposing the skin to sunlight, although you should check with your doctor, because the amount of sun that is safe may vary depending on the severity of your psoriasis. Phototherapy can also be performed using artificial light, either using controlled doses of a type of light called UBV, or from an excimer laser. Sometimes the effects of phototherapy can be maximized by treating the affected areas beforehand with a chemical (psoralen) that makes them more sensitive to light.
Step 3
Take oral medications. There are a number of different medications in pill form that can also help with psoriasis. These include retinoids (which are medications that are made from vitamin A and include acitretin), methotrexate and cyclosporine (medications that suppress the immune system), and hydroxyurea (the only oral medication that can be combined with phototherapy). These medications are all used for severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments, because they can have severe side effects (such as an increased risk of infection or birth defects).
