Think of your psoriasis treatment plan as a custom-tailored suit. Not only do you need a unique, personalized “fit,” you may require alterations over time depending how your body changes.
Psoriasis treatment needs are so individualized because it is a systemic, immunological, genetic disease. This means there are a broad range of symptoms, which vary in severity from person to person, increasing or decreasing over time. The triggers also differ between people. Being alert to psoriasis changes is fundamental to successfully managing the condition.
Empower yourself
The goal of any psoriasis treatment is to:
- gain initial rapid control of the disease and maintain it as long as possible;
- reduce or eliminate scaling, redness, and itching
- decrease involvement of the body surface area;
- reduce frequency and duration of psoriasis flare-ups;
- avoid treatment-related adverse effects as much as possible; and
- improve your quality of life and provide maximum satisfaction.
With this in mind, evaluate your psoriasis symptoms regularly, including how your psoriasis is affecting lifestyle choices, from leisure activities to personal relationships. If you're not confident that your treatment strategy is leading to improvement after an initial period of time set by your doctor, don't hesitate to book a follow-up appointment.
Cover all the bases
The conversation between you and your doctor should begin with an evaluation of your existing state of psoriasis. This should include a review of physical aspects, including the extent of the disease, specific locations involved, itching, pain, and loss of sleep, as well as a psychological and social aspects, including emotional impact on daily activities. They may also ask you about lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as your stress levels and history of smoking.
Evaluate the treatment strategy
Depending on the outcome of your conversation, you and your doctor may need to re-evaluate your strategy on the basis of how your psoriasis has changed. Initially, one type of treatment – topical medication, phototherapy, or systemic medications – may be recommended. If a single treatment fails, another therapy or multiple therapies in combination may be tried.
Revisiting treatment with your doctor regularly is vital to effective psoriasis management. Persistence, vigilance, and positivity will ensure any psoriasis changes are mere blips in your long-term treatment plan.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Psoriasis-Are-You-Keeping-Up
