Treatments For Psoriasis
Those with psoriasis can feel discouraged about it. Fortunately, there are many options for treatments that can help ease the pain. Here are some of them.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Psoriasis may include flaky patches and red, dry skin. Those who have psoriasis are at risk for other conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and Crohn’s disease. People with psoriasis are also more likely to have depression and self-esteem problems. It is important to find a support group and other resources to help manage psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the immune system. This immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, causing them to grow out of control and inflame. The condition causes dry, raised patches of skin called plaques. It can also affect the nails and hair.
There are many different types of psoriasis. The most common is plaque psoriasis. This form of disease is characterized by thick white scales. These patches are usually found on the skin’s surface. Other areas that may be affected include the eyebrows, navel, underarms, and nails.
Another type of psoriasis is pustular psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults than in children. This form of psoriasis causes a large number of small bumps filled with pus. These bumps can cause fever and severe itching. Other symptoms of psoriasis can include detachment from the nail bed, pitting, and discoloration of the skin.
Some forms of psoriasis are milder than others. This disease is often treated with ointments and creams. Some medications are also used, including corticosteroids and calcipotriol. Some psoriasis patients may need a skin biopsy to diagnose their condition. This procedure can help rule out other disorders.
Some psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis, which is a chronic form of arthritis. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. It may also make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, and perform other daily activities. It is important to consult a doctor if you have pain in the joints or joint stiffness.
If you have psoriasis, it is important to find a treatment plan that works for you. The condition can be long-term and can be painful, but it is treatable. It is also important to avoid certain foods that may increase inflammation. It is also important to avoid breaking the skin.
Diagnosis
During the diagnosis of psoriasis, a dermatologist will examine your skin to determine what kind of psoriasis you have. Depending on the type of psoriasis, your doctor may recommend a skin biopsy. This test will remove a small portion of your skin, and then analyze it under a microscope. The results will help your doctor rule out other skin conditions and will give your doctor a better idea of the extent of your psoriasis.
If your doctor determines that you have psoriasis, he or she will ask you about your family history of the disease. Approximately one-third of psoriasis patients have a family member with the condition. You should also talk with your doctor about the impact of your psoriasis on your quality of life.
During the psoriasis diagnosis, your doctor will determine whether you have moderate, mild, or severe psoriasis. If you have a moderate form of the disease, you may be given a cream or other treatment to relieve your symptoms. If you have a severe form, your doctor may prescribe a medication that is designed to treat your condition. You will also need to use over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients to keep your skin soft and prevent it from itching.
If your psoriasis is severe, you may require medications that will target your symptoms. These medications include PUVA, a medication that combines medicine with ultraviolet light. The traditional Ingram regimen is a form of treatment for psoriasis that combines anthralin, a drug that slows the growth of skin cells, with ultraviolet phototherapy.
Your psoriasis may be caused by several different factors, including a genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and certain medications. It can also be triggered by environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol, and taking antimalarial drugs.
During the psoriasis diagnosis, you may be prescribed a topical steroid, which is a drug that helps reduce inflammation in the skin. You should always follow the directions on the label, as an improper application of a topical steroid can lead to an adverse reaction.
During the psoriasis treatment, your doctor will determine the amount of psoriasis you are experiencing and will adjust your treatment accordingly. In most cases, you will be treated at low concentrations for a short period, and then gradually reduced as your psoriasis improves.
Treatments
Several types of treatments for psoriasis are available. Some medications are taken orally, while others are used directly on the skin. The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent further disease. There are also medications that target the immune system to help reduce inflammation.
Biologic medications work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system. They can be effective in treating severe to moderate psoriasis. However, they can cause side effects. Some of these side effects are minor and are not life-threatening. Before starting therapy, inform your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.
Topical therapies are often the first choice of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. These treatments are generally safe and can be started by primary care physicians. They may also be prescribed by dermatologists.
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are usually used to treat psoriasis. These drugs work by reducing the number of skin cells that grow. They are also used to slow the rate at which new skin cells are produced. A steroid may be used in conjunction with a retinoid. The combination of these two treatments can lower the risk of skin irritation caused by the retinoid.
Phototherapy uses ultraviolet A light to reduce inflammation. This therapy has been used to treat skin conditions for thousands of years. Some people use this therapy at home, while others visit a doctor for treatment.
There are also injectable drugs that can be used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. These are injected into the skin at a doctor’s office. These drugs may have side effects and are usually reserved for difficult cases.
Depending on your condition, a dermatologist may recommend a treatment regimen that is personalized to your age, family history, motivation, and resources. These treatments may include systemic drugs, oral medications, and topical creams. Some of these options are more effective than others. Some psoriasis patients may need to change their treatment routine periodically.
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that helps to suppress the immune system. This drug can cause serious side effects. It may increase the risk of kidney problems and high blood pressure.
Complications
Having psoriasis can be frustrating and stressful, especially if the skin is covered with blisters or dry, scaly patches. However, these symptoms do not have to limit you from living your life. Many treatments are available to control the condition and improve your quality of life.
Psoriasis affects the epidermis or top layer of the skin. It is caused by an overactive immune system, which causes the rapid production of immature skin cells. When these cells grow faster than normal, the result is dry, scaly patches. The disease also affects internal organs. If left untreated, it can cause swollen, painful joints.
Some types of psoriasis may affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In addition, it is possible that some types of psoriasis can increase the risk of other medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. In fact, up to 10% of women who have psoriasis will develop IBD. It is unclear whether these risks are related to the disease or to the treatments they are receiving.
It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before you begin any treatment for psoriasis. Some drugs can interfere with each other and lead to adverse side effects.
If you have psoriasis, you should avoid scratching your affected areas. You should also talk to your doctor about your family’s history of the disease. A skin biopsy can help your physician rule out other diseases that look similar to psoriasis.
A skin biopsy also helps your doctor determine which type of psoriasis you have. It is possible that you have a rare form of the disease that causes pus-filled blisters. These blisters can occur in small areas or in widespread patches.
Psoriasis can also lead to complications involving your nails. In many cases, the nails become brittle and crack. They can even separate from the bed. These nails can also become distorted, causing pitting.
Psoriasis is often treated with oral medication. Topical medications can be used as well. These treatments can be used in conjunction with more powerful medicines to reduce the severity of your psoriasis. These medicines also reduce the risk of developing a condition called an autoimmune reaction.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
