There is no cure for psoriasis, however, there are many ways to treat and manage the condition, and improve the quality of life of those affected. Types of treatment can include, but are not limited to: medical procedures such as light therapy, topical ointments, self-care practices and medications.
Medical Procedures
Narrow-band UVB light therapy is a medical procedure that can help alleviate psoriasis. This treatment uses a specific wavelength of light to decrease inflammation and improve the signs and symptoms of psoriasis by killing cells that buildup and cause patches of irritated skin. This treatment is very safe and completely natural.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can help with psoriasis:
- Topical steroids: These decrease inflammation, resulting in relief of itch and improvement of skin lesions.
- Immunomodulatory drugs: These prevent inflammation of the skin, joints, and tissue.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D supplements are known to help improve psoriasis to some degree.
Because psoriasis is related to immune dysregulation, newer medications can help normalize the immune system to help improve psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Self-care Practices
Self care is an important practice whether you have a physical condition or not, but it can significantly help alleviate some of the symptoms of psoriasis and prevent flare-ups.
- Stress management: This could mean anything from exercising to relieve stress to verbalizing frustrations, but there are many other forms of stress management.
- Lifestyle changes: Weight gain and obesity not only make psoriasis worse, but they tend to make psoriasis medications less effective. Exercising and healthy eating will not only help decrease your symptoms, but they will improve your overall happiness and health.
In addition to other forms of treatment, self-care practices can help ease painful symptoms of psoriasis. We have a free Psoriasis At Home Care Guide that includes 15 treatments you can do at home to help ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Download the guide here!
Still feeling frustrated? Dr. Hawley can help you ease your symptoms and manage this condition. Dr. Hawley has been a board-certified dermatologist since 2016, and since then she has become a rash expert and works closely with the National Psoriasis Foundation. She is nationally recognized for her treatment of this condition and has spoken about psoriasis across the nation.