Psoriasis Treatment
At present, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are several treatment choices that can clear psoriasis for a period of time. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages, and what works for one patient may not be effective for another. Board-certified dermatologists have the medical schooling and skill needed to determine the most fitting treatments for each patient.
Psoriasis Diagnosis
There are many kinds of psoriasis, and each kind has unique individuality that permit dermatologists to visually identify psoriasis to verify what kind, or types, of psoriasis is present. Now and then a skin biopsy will be performed to validate the diagnosis.
To pick the most appropriate treatment technique, dermatologists consider many factors:
? Type of psoriasis
? Severity (the sum of skin affected)
? Where psoriasis is located
? The age and medical history of the patient
? Effects psoriasis has on patient’s overall physical and emotional
well-being
Kinds of Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis treatments usually fall into these 3 groups:
? Topical (applied to the skin) - Mild to moderate psoriasis
? Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) - Moderate to severe psoriasis
? Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) - Moderate, severe or disabling psoriasis
While each of these therapies is effective, there are also downsides.
Various topicals are messy and may discolor clothing and skin. Phototherapy might require 2 to 5 weekly visits to a dermatologist’s office or psoriasis clinic for a number of weeks.
Loads of of the systemic medications have serious side effects and must be combined or rotated with further therapies to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. Research is being conducted to find therapies that provide secure, effective, easy-to-use treatment options that provide long-term relief.