Psoriasis Treatment

There are different treatments available to help control psoriasis. Treatment depends on the kind of psoriasis and no single treatment works for everyone.

Topical creams, ointments and powders, applied to the skin are the most common forms of treatment for psoriasis. They slow down or normalize excessive cell production and reduce inflammation. Anthralin, Dovonex, Salicyclic acid, corticosteriods and coal tar are common topical treatments.

Corticosteroids are often prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. These steroids are anti-inflammatory agents and reduce the swelling and redness of lesions. Corticosteriods complement other psoriasis treatments that are used to treat chronic cases. Patients must use topical steroids properly to avoid unnecessary side effects. Some steroids are suitable for only short periods of time or may be applied only to certain areas of the skin.

When psoriasis is extensive then ultraviolet light treatment or phototherapy is used on patients. Phototherapy involves exposure of the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Ultraviolet light B (UVB) is an effective form of ultraviolet radiation for treating psoriasis. It is present in natural sunlight and penetrates the skin. UVB slows the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis. Treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial UVB light source over a set period of time.

Systemic medications or prescription medications are administered to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologic drugs that are made from living human or animal proteins help block or eliminate various immune system cells that cause psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Other systemic medications like cyclosporine, methotrexate, soriatane, Accutane and sulfasalazine are also used to treat chronic cases of psoriasis.

Popularity amongst patients of alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies and magnets have grown. 36 percent of adults in the United States use some form of alternative and complementary medicine to counter psoriasis.

Over the years, patients have tried different diet regimens. The turkey diet, low-protein diet and the rice diet are common among them. Response to treatment depends on individual habits and medical histories and therefore varies from patient to patient. Over a period of time, patients begin to respond to the right treatment.

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What is acupuncture?

The practice of piercing specific sites on the body, called pathways or meridians, with thin needles in an attempt to relieve pain associated with some chronic disorders.
An ancient Chinese method of healing. It aims to prevent and cure specific diseases and conditions by sticking very fine, solid needles into specific points on the body.
An ancient Chinese technique involving the insertion of fine needles just under the skin in specific locations in order to relieve pain and treat a wide variety of complaints. The World Health Organization says acupuncture can be beneficial in many medical conditions ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal to mental and emotional ones.