Know your psoriasis treatment options

Psoriasis treatment options Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. 2f Your treatment options for psoriasis include: topical medications (medications applied to the skin) corticosteroids vitamin A derivatives vitamin D derivatives anthralin salicylic acid coal tar systemic treatments (medication taken by mouth or injected into the body) biologic treatments cytotoxic agents immunosuppressants retinoids light therapy (exposing skin to natural and artificial ultraviolet light) In addition to these therapies, your doctor or dermatologist may recommend avoiding your psoriasis triggers and healthy living to manage your psoriasis.

Topical medications are creams, ointments, and lotions applied to the skin, which are used to treat psoriasis. Topical medications should be applied as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Doctors may suggest a treatment plan that includes combining topical medications with each other (e.g., corticosteroids combined with vitamin D derivatives, vitamin A derivatives, salicylic acid, or coal tar) or with other psoriasis treatments (such as systemic medication or with light therapy).

Systemic treatments are medications that work from within the body and are either taken by mouth or by injection. These medications are used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Systemic treatments for psoriasis include: biologic treatments cytotoxic agents immunosuppressants retinoids Systemic medications may be combined with other psoriasis treatments (such as topical treatments or light therapy.

Light therapy, also called phototherapy, involves exposing skin to natural and artificial ultraviolet (UV) light under the guidance of a health care professional. Light therapy is usually done in a doctor's office, but some people may use a phototherapy unit at home. It is used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis.