There is a wide-range if treatment options available to control psoriasis, and usually they are used according to the severity of the disease.
The treatments can be divided into topical, phototherapy and systemic treatments. Topical treatments are used externally and applied in a localized manner on lesions. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis under medical prescription and supervision. Finally systemic treatments are divided into 2 categories, traditional or non-biologic or biologic treatments. Non-biologic treatments can be administered as a tablet or can be injected. This kind of treatment usually combines an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive/immunomodulative action to control the psoriasis symptoms. Finally the biologic treatments can be either injected or infused and they are usually used in more severe cases of psoriasis. They act by blocking or inhibiting specific mechanisms that trigger the psoriasis symptoms.
It is important to consider that there is no “one treatment fits all” and that the way in which you respond to a treatment may change over time. Be patient! Often several tests are required to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Besides, remember that changes to your lifestyle may have a positive impact on the quality of life and improve your overall health. And do not forget to consult your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding your treatment or implementing new strategies to better control the disease.
References
- World Health Organization. [Internet]. Global report on Psoriasis. 2016. ISBN 978 92 4 156518 9. Available at:: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- Everyday Health. [Internet]. Adopting these healthy habits can go a long way in reducing your risk for psoriasis complications and feeling better overall. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/psoriasis-treatment-management/live-better/. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. [Internet]. How I live with psoriasis every day. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/blog/beck-natural-tips. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- Health [Internet]. 10 tips for living better with Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20484082,00.html#how-to-cope-with-psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- Everyday Health. [Internet]. How much sun is good for you psoriasis. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/living-with/psoriasis-and-sun/. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- Mayo Clinic. [Internet]. Psoriasis: Treatment. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20317590. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- DermNet New Zealand. All about skin. [Internet]. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/treatment-of-psoriasis/. Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- Psoriasis 360. Más allá de la piel. [Internet]. Tipos de tratamiento. Available at: https://www.psoriasis360.es/psoriasis/tratamientos/tipos-tratamientos . Accessed: 9/7/2018.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. [Internet]. Phototherapy. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/phototherapy . Accessed: 26/8/2018.