Psoriasis
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by patches of raised, red skin with a silvery white scale. Psoriasis may also include red lesions, small red spots and white pustules. Symptoms include itchy skin that may crack and bleed. There is no permanent cure for Psoriasis.
How does the treatment work?
Because there are five different types of Psoriasis, there are different treatment options. To choose the best treatment, a health care professional examines the type of Psoriasis a patient has, the severity of the Psoriasis, where the Psoriasis is located and the patient’s medical history.
Treatments fall into three categories:
Topical: cream applied to the skin
Phototherapy: ultraviolet light
Systemic: medicine taken orally or by injection
Are there any possible side effects?
Topical medications may cause skin irritation. Phototherapy may cause a painful "sunburn", darken skin or cause liver spots. Phototherapy may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. With all systemic medications, side effects such as liver and kidney damage are possible.
Will there be any downtime?
There is no downtime with any of the treatments. Besides the possible side effects each treatment may cause, a patient can resume normal activity immediately.
What are the benefits of continued Psoriasis treatment?
Because there is no cure for Psoriasis, continued treatments are the only option. Each treatment can reduce inflammation and clear lesions for a period of time.
How soon will results appear?
It is difficult to predict how soon results will appear because each case is different. Some people do not respond well to one treatment and have to try others before their Psoriasis improves.
What conditions respond best to this treatment?
Those who live in warm, sunny climates have improved symptoms compared with those who live in cold, dry weather. High stress and anxiety levels trigger flare-ups, so stress reducing techniques are recommended.
Who are candidates for treatment?
Topical creams are safe for most people with mild Psoriasis. Photo therapy is recommended for moderate Psoriasis and systemic medications are recommended for those who have severe Psoriasis.
How long do the results last?
Because Psoriasis is unpredictable, results do not necessarily last for a specific amount of time. Each case is different and depends on several factors.
What are the alternative treatments?
Alternative Psoriasis treatments include dead sea salts, herbal creams and homeopathic remedies.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Yes, Psoriasis treatment is an ongoing process, and no specific treatment is one time only.
What are the limitations of treatment?
Treatment is limited because Psoriasis is incurable and several treatments are required to produce desired results. Side effects, stress and climate conditions affect the patient.
Who are the treatments provided by?
A physician or other health care provider can provide treatments.
Instructions prior to treatment:
Eliminate trigger symptoms for flare-ups such as stress, skin injury and infection.
Instructions after treatment:
Follow your post-treatment instructions. Some exposure to sunlight may improve conditions after treatment.
