Psoriasis is a skin condition that is marked by the development of skin lesions that can be itchy, red, and form silvery scales. Psoriasis is caused by an abnormally active immune system. In patients with psoriasis, certain immune cells attack skin cells. However, this immune reaction only causes the skin cells to reproduce and proliferate, causing the psoriatic lesions. As a result, it is typically treated by suppressing this immune reaction.
Step 1
Use topical treatments. There are a number of treatments for psoriasis that can be applied directly onto the skin in the form of creams and ointments that are rubbed into the affected areas. These treatments include anthralin, corticosteroids, retinoids, salicylic acid, coal tar, calcineurin inhibitors, and compounds derived from vitamin D. These different compounds are often combined together into psoriasis formulations, but do not use multiple psoriasis products without consulting your doctor first.
Step 2
Take oral medications. Psoriasis can also be treated by taking certain oral medications that then enter the bloodstream and affect the skin. These include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and hydroxyurea. These medications work to suppress the immune system and can effectively treat psoriasis, although they also can cause certain side effects.
Step 3
Get immunomodulator injections. Immunomodulator drugs (also known as biologics) are specially designed compounds that prevent the immune cells that cause psoriasis from becoming active. These medications must be injected to be effective.
Step 4
Undergo phototherapy. Psoriasis can be treated by exposing the affected parts of the skin to UV light. Phototherapy can either be received using specially designed machines that emit UV light, or from brief exposure to sunlight.
Things You'll Need
- Topical treatments
- Oral medications
- Immunomodulator injections
- UV light
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