psoriasis
How To Treat Psoriasis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many treatments available that can relieve symptoms. The three most popular forms of treatment are topical, systemic and natural treatments. Even people who have severe psoriasis can find relief with one form of these treatments.
Topical Psoriasis Treatments
Prescription Retinoids
These retinoids contain a synthetic form of vitamin A. This can help improve psoriasis. The drawback is that retinoids do not work as quickly as steroids. It can also cause the skin to be dry and irritated.
Steroid-based creams
Steroid creams are the best way to fight psoriasis. It helps by decreasing inflammation, relieving itching, and it helps block the production of cells that are overproduced because of psoriasis.
Coal-tar ointments and shampoos
This form of treatments helps slow down the growth of skin cells. It also helps alleviate symptoms. The drawback is that some people suffer side effects. One of the major side effects is folliculitis.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid ointments help by smoothing out the skin. It does this by shedding the scales caused by psoriasis. If it is used on too large of an area then there are side effects. An individual my experience skin irritation, hair breakage and temporary hair loss.
Phototherapy Psoriasis Treatments
Sunlight is also a great form of treatment for psoriasis. For some people who have severe cases of psoriasis, light therapy is recommended. There are three forms of light therapy.
Ultraviolet B Light (UVB)
This can be a stand alone treatment or it may be combined with other treatments.
PUVA
This is the most effective light therapy; however, it has shown to increase the chances of developing cancer.
Narrow-band UVB therapy
This form of light therapy is a targeted ultraviolet light treatment.
Oral and Injectable Psoriasis Treatments
If all other types of treatments fail to provide relief, doctors turn to oral and injectable drugs.
Oral Retinoids
Oral retinoids help people with severe psoriasis. If you are a female of child bearing age, you must use birth control with this medication. This is because oral retinoids can cause birth defects.
Biologics
Biologics help control your body’s immune response. In many cases, they have been used to treat severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These types of drugs are extremely effective, but can be quite expensive.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is also a drug used for chemotherapy and forms of arthritis. This drug can totally clear up psoriasis, but it can cause side effects.
Natural Psoriasis Treatments
Many times medication does not help with psoriasis treatment. Or it may cause side affects that are bothersome. In these cases, it is worth looking into natural psoriasis treatments. Here are some of the most popular natural treatments available.
Aloe Vera
Preliminary study suggests that topical lotion from an aloe vera plant can improve symptoms of psoriasis. One study demonstrated that topical aloe vera was more effective than placebo. Aloe vera provides minimal relief.
Fish Oil
Fish oil may be useful for psoriasis if taken orally. Studies have indicated that taking daily oral fish oil supplements containing 1.8 g to 3.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can bring some improvement by decreasing inflammation. A survey of over 1,200 psoriasis patients found that many reported symptom improvements by taking fish oil supplements.
Vitamin D
Others reported that vitamin D supplements helped.
Bath Options
Bath options, such as Dead Sea salts, oil, oatmeal, or Epsom salts can help psoriasis by eliminating scales and easing itching. To use dead sea salts and other bath solutions, combine them in the tub as directed, then soak in the bathtub for about 15 minutes. The moment you get out of the bathtub, apply a moisturizer to the skin. However, don’t expect drastic improvement.
Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers has been used in medicine for centuries. Capsaicin, the ingredient in peppers that gives them their heat, is also the active ingredient in several pain-relieving gels and lotions. In one study, applying capsaicin cream to the skin relieved itching and skin lesions in people with psoriasis. Capsaicin may cause a burning sensation to the skin, which helps improve the skin the longer you use it. It is very important to wash your hands immediately after applying capsaicin. Also make sure to not touch your eyes or mouth when you are applying capsaicin with your hands.
Diet
Psoriasis patients who are obese will see an improvement in their symptoms if they lose weight. In addition, eliminating gluten can also relieve joint pain and skin symptoms. Approximately, 25% of psoriasis patients are gluten sensitive. Gluten is found in bread, crackers, cakes, soy sauce and many other food products. Many patients find relief by following a vegan or pagano diet.
