How is plaque psoriasis treated?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Because the severity of plaque psoriasis can vary as much as what’s in fashion year to year, its treatment is tailored (pun intended!) for the individual. Milder conditions may be treated with topical steroid cream, ointment, or shampoo, and moisturizing lotions. The topical treatments decrease inflammation, redness, and itchiness. Phototherapy (light therapy) is another treatment option that slows the growth of affected cells. This can be done either in your doctor’s office or at home with special tools and specific directions. More severe cases might require injected or oral immunosuppressive drugs, called biologics. These drugs are like linesmen on a football team. They block the action of specific immune cells in your body that exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
Because the severity of plaque psoriasis can vary as much as what’s in fashion year to year, its treatment is tailored (pun intended!) for the individual. Milder conditions may be treated with topical steroid cream, ointment, or shampoo,... More -
Dr. Douglas Severance answered:Psoriasis is treated differently, depending on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the person's life. Usually, mild psoriasis, which includes patches of the condition on the scalp, hands and feet, knees and elbows, is treated with over-the-counter creams and prescription ointments, creams, and shampoos to self-manage the plaques. Also, moisturizing lotions are used with mild psoriasis.
Moderate to severe psoriasis is treated with a combination of therapies. Along with the topical creams, ointments and lotions, you may use light therapy (called phototherapy). Phototherapy may be done at your doctor's office or at home. In addition, immune modifying drugs called biologics are prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis. The biologics are given by injection or as an oral medication.
Psoriasis is treated differently, depending on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the person's life. Usually, mild psoriasis, which includes patches of the condition on the scalp, hands and feet, knees and elbows, is treated with... More
