Bio-medicine refers to medical practices that use research and study of the history of medicine to treat a broad range of medical ailments. Topical creams and ointments are commonly used in bio-medicine. These medications are absorbed through the skin and are an effective treatment for sufferers of psoriasis, a skin disorder that is usually accompanied by red raised spots and a silvery scale-like appearance. Psoriasis can also cause pain and itching, and in some cases psoriatic arthritis in the joints.
Step 1
Apply hydrocortisone ointment or cream to the skin up to four times daily. Hydrocortisone can relieve the itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis. It may also help with pain relief in psoriatic arthritis.
Step 2
Apply creams containing salicylic acid during psoriasis outbreaks. Salicylic acid slows down the progression of cells in the skin that contribute to psoriasis, and helps reduce inflammation.
Step 3
Go outdoors to get UV ray exposure. Tanning beds and sun lamps are also a good way to get UV exposure on rainy or cloudy days. Limit UV exposure to 15 to 20 minutes a day, as overexposure can aggravate psoriasis. This will slow the growth of psoriasis-affected skin cells.
Step 4
Apply moisturizer liberally after bathing. Moisturizing your skin will keep outbreaks down to a minimum and alleviate itching.
Step 5
Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the cold dry months. Keeping the air moist will inhibit and reduce psoriasis skin cell production and outbreaks.
Tips and Warnings
- Some spas in the United States offer a therapy called a "fish pedicure." This therapy allows a dead skin-eating breed of fish to feed on your psoriasis, eliminating dead skin and psoriasis skin cells. In 2009, a new medication called Amevive was approved by the FDA for bio-medical treatment of psoriasis. This medication is available in ointment, UV light therapy and skin injections. The FDA has called for further testing to determine side effect risks, but the new medication looks promising for bio-medicine.
- If you encounter red streaks in the skin around the psoriasis, get immediate medical attention as this could be a sign of a staph infection.
