How to Find the Best Treatment for Your Psoriasis
Scaly, inflamed, and itchy skin can feel uncomfortable and look unpleasant. If you have these symptoms, it may mean the onset of psoriasis. If signs and symptoms of psoriasis begin to appear, you will want to have it diagnosed and treated by dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute. We can help provide the best treatment options to relieve any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Let’s look at some general information about psoriasis and take a look at some of the most common treatment options.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and characterized by shiny, itchy scales. Psoriasis can appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, face, lower back, legs, arms, and other places. Some cases can be severe while others can be so mild that a person may not even know they have the condition. Some say psoriasis occurs from an abnormality in the white blood cells which triggers inflammation of the skin. This inflammation causes the skin to shed rapidly, producing red, silvery scales.
Once diagnosed with psoriasis, you will notice alternating periods of time where your symptoms seem to improve or get worse. While no one specific cure exists, it is important that those affected focus on controlling their present symptoms and preventing any further spread of psoriasis.
How to Treat Psoriasis
The best treatments for psoriasis are based on a patient’s age, health, and the severity of the condition. Treatments include home treatment, light therapy, topical medications, exposure to sunlight (in moderation), and oral medications for severe cases. A dermatologist is best suited for determining which treatment route is best based on the severity of your condition.
Light therapies can include an excimer laser designed to clear the affected skin quickly and effectively. Narrowband UVB light therapy is designed to slow the rapid growth of skin cells and may be combined with a topical treatment called coal-tar.
Topical treatments may include salicylic acid ointment to help soothe the skin by encouraging the shedding of psoriatic scales. Other successful topical treatments include Vectical or Dovonex. Vectical and Dovonex work by slowing down the growth of skin cells. They are typically very successful when combined with corticosteroid cream. Coal-tar ointment or specialized shampoos are also known to slow the rapid growth of skin cells and help alleviate psoriatic symptoms.
Oral treatments for psoriasis may include methotrexate, which can dramatically clear up psoriasis lesions. Oral retinoids with vitamin-A are often used in mild to severe psoriasis cases. Biologics are also helpful in controlling your body’s immune response and are often used to treat those with severe psoriasis.
We Can Help
Psoriasis may never fully disappear and symptoms may never fully go away, but it’s important to find relief from the best possible treatment. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas and think you may have psoriasis, get in touch with a dermatologist at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute. We’re here to help you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment for psoriasis.