How is psoriasis treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Treating psoriasis is hit or miss, so docs typically try a number of approaches to see what works. Some common treatments include using moisturizers, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly to help reduce the dryness that comes with the buildup of skin cells. Docs may also use medicated topical agents to help not only minimize the appearance but also quell the immune reaction, reduce the inflammation, and stop the overproduction of skin cells.
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Treating psoriasis is hit or miss, so docs typically try a number of approaches to see what works. Some common treatments include using moisturizers, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly to help reduce the dryness that comes with the buildup of skin... More -
Treatment for psoriasis usually starts with topical drugs. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can be very effective at minimizing your symptoms and providing relief from itching. They come in several different strengths. Which one is right for you depends on the severity of your psoriasis and what part of your body is being affected. Other effective topical treatments include vitamin D, salicylic acid, anthralin, and even coal tar. All of these medications can be used in conjunction with phototherapy. You may have already noticed that natural sunlight helps improve your psoriasis. Doctors can take advantage of this by harnessing ultraviolet light and using it to help your condition. If these treatments aren't effective you may be directed to use an oral drug or an injection. Immunomodulators, cyclosporine and methotrexate are all drugs that may be used to suppress your immune system and diminish your psoriasis symptoms.Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulTreatment for psoriasis usually starts with topical drugs. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can be very effective at minimizing your symptoms and providing relief from itching. They come in several different strengths. Which one is right for... More
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Burke Lennihan RN CCH answered:I have seen natural treatment options work well for clients who do not want to use conventional medications for their own reasons, or for whom conventional medications have stopped working (for example, they keep putting cortisone on their psoriasis and it keeps coming back).
There are two approaches:
One option is the treatment program in Dr. John Pagano’s Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. He describes a diet which is quite strict but very healthy; my clients have reported losing weight and having more energy and generally feeling better on his diet, as well as having their psoriasis go away.
The other option is to consult a professional homeopath. I have seen a number of cases of psoriasis completely disappear under homeopathic treatment (with simultaneous improvement in energy, mood, sleep, etc., which is a hallmark of a good treatment). Homeopathic medicines for chronic conditions are so individualized that you really need to see a professional homeopath.
I have seen natural treatment options work well for clients who do not want to use conventional medications for their own reasons, or for whom conventional medications have stopped working (for example, they keep putting cortisone on their psoriasis... More -
Dr. Adam Mamelak answered:There are literally numerous therapies that exist for psoriasis, including creams and lotions, topical agents, oral medication, light therapies and biologic drugs. The type of therapy selected often depends on the extent of your disease, the symptoms and how it affects your life. Your dermatologist can advise you by examining your skin and devising a treatment plan that suits all your needs.
There are literally numerous therapies that exist for psoriasis, including creams and lotions, topical agents, oral medication, light therapies and biologic drugs. The type of therapy selected often depends on the extent of your disease, the... More -
RealAge answered:While there's no cure for psoriasis, a good treatment plan will reduce its symptoms, improve your appearance, and enhance the quality of your life. Initial treatment usually focuses on clearing your skin. After that, a maintenance plan will aim to keep the lesions from returning. It may take trial and error to develop, because there are many treatments, and they're often most effective used in combination. They may include creams and other topical (external) medications, light therapy, and, sometimes, powerful systemic (internal) medications.
What doctors start with generally depends on the size of the affected area, the type of psoriasis, and is the severity. This is sometimes called the 1-2-3 approach.
- In step 1, medications are applied to the skin (topical treatment).
- Step 2 uses light-based treatments (phototherapy).
- Step 3 brings in the big guns: medicines that treat the immune system (systemic therapy).
While there's no cure for psoriasis, a good treatment plan will reduce its symptoms, improve your appearance, and enhance the quality of your life. Initial treatment usually focuses on clearing your skin. After that, a maintenance plan will... More -
Yogi Cameron Alborzian answered:Ayurvedic tradition typically considers psoriasis to be a buildup of excessive heat in the body. This is a heat that may also lead to indigestion, acid reflux, acne, irritable bowel syndrome, and other indications of irritation in the body. When the heat that is supposed to be contained within the digestive system (i.e. the digestive fire) becomes excessive, it spreads to other parts of the body and may create a toxic reaction on the skin. This is what happens when someone gets psoriasis.
To resolve this condition, an Ayurvedic practitioner will help the patient to lessen this heat and allow the digestive fire to once again be contained. This will happen through the taking of herbs, a diet that cools the body off, cooling breathing practices, and the application of topical herbal remedies as well as other treatments.
Ayurvedic tradition typically considers psoriasis to be a buildup of excessive heat in the body. This is a heat that may also lead to indigestion, acid reflux, acne, irritable bowel syndrome, and other indications of irritation in the body. When... More
