Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the development of thick, red, and scaly patches on the skin. While there is currently no known cure for psoriasis, various treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s specific symptoms, the extent of the condition, and their overall health.

1. Topical treatments: These are usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are applied directly to the affected skin and include:

• Topical corticosteroids: These medications help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and redness.
• Topical retinoids: These are derivatives of vitamin A and help slow down the growth of skin cells.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These medications help suppress the immune system response and reduce inflammation.
• Coal tar: It has been used for decades to treat psoriasis and helps to reduce scaling, itching, and inflammation.
• Salicylic acid: It promotes the shedding of dead skin cells and helps reduce scaling.

2. Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. There are different types of phototherapy:

• Narrowband UVB therapy: This is the most common form of phototherapy used for psoriasis treatment. It involves exposure to a specific wavelength of UVB light.
• PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) therapy: It involves taking a medication called psoralen and then exposing the skin to UVA light.
• Excimer laser: This targeted laser therapy is used for localized psoriasis plaques and delivers UVB light to the affected area.