Psoriasis is a skin disease that is characterized by outbreaks of thick, scaly skin patches that can often be inflamed and painful. Though there are a number of treatment options for the condition, there is no cure. Since psoriasis outbreaks generally last from two to four weeks or more, a one-week cure-all may not be possible. However, mild to moderate cases of psoriasis can improve quickly with the right treatment.
Step 1
Use topical applications. There are many ointments and creams--both over-the-counter and prescription-strength--that can alleviate symptoms, but the ones that will work the fastest tend to be topical corticosteroids, since they can be prescribed in varying strengths, from mild to very strong. Ask your doctor for the strongest prescription that's right for your particular case. For quick over-the-counter relief, look for ointments containing salicylic acid, which acts to peel away the layers of scaly psoriatic skin.
Step 2
Try light therapy. Otherwise known as phototherapy, this is where you expose the affected skin to either sunlight or to UVB light generated in a clinical setting. For quick relief, skip the sunbathing and ask your doctor about one of the newer forms of phototherapy, the excimer laser technique, which uses powerful pulses of UVB light that are shot directly onto the affected areas without hitting the surrounding healthy skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, excimer laser therapy requires fewer sessions than regular phototherapy.
Step 3
Combine treatments. According to the Mayo Clinic, combining topical applications with phototherapy can speed up healing by making phototherapy more effective. For example, a procedure called the Goeckerman treatment involves using UVB phototherapy in conjunction with coal tar, a topical application which makes skin more sensitive to UVB light, which in turn makes the UVB phototherapy sessions more effective.
Step 4
Opt for the latest drugs. A newer class of drugs called "biologics" has been approved by the FDA to treat psoriasis. These include adalimumab (Humira), alefacept (Amevive), etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade). According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, most biologics require shots to be administered at a physician's office at certain time periods, but etanercept (Enbrel) can be injected by the patient at home on a weekly basis, so may be ideal if a quick fix is desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Psoriasis treatments are in continual flux. To keep up with the latest information, check PsoriasisNet, a comprehensive online psoriasis database, on a regular basis (see Resources).
- Psoriasis treatments can have unpredictable effects, and what works for one person might not work for someone else. Always consult with your doctor before undertaking any new treatment.
