Psoriasis Treatments

While the goal of treatment is to improve the appearance of skin, it is also important to find a physician who takes a holistic approach to care, since psoriasis affects more than just skin. Psoriasis can be treated with medical procedures, medications, and self-care practices.

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.

The Derm Institute of West Michigan is proud to offer phototherapy for the treatment of many skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, itching, vitiligo, and more. Phototherapy uses a specific wavelength of light called narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) to treat the skin. It is both safe and effective. Disclaimer: these are not patients at the DIWMI. However, these patients were treated successfully with NBUVB.

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.