Psoriasis Treatment Options

Treating psoriasis can be frustrating and confusing. No single psoriasis treatment works for everyone, and finding the treatment that works for you can be tricky and time consuming. Fortunately, the options for treating psoriasis are broadening and increasing in effectiveness. The three most common psoriasis treatments are topical treatments, systemic medications, and phototherapy. Talking with your doctor, researching your options and sometimes simple trial and error will lead you to the option that is best for treating your psoriasis.
Usually the first step in attempting to treat psoriasis is the use of topical treatments, or products applied to the skin. While some products are available over-the-counter, others are prescribed by your doctor. For some, products such as salicylic acid or tar are effective in controlling the symptoms, but are often ineffective in eradicating the psoriasis. Inflammation, itching, and scaling may be controlled, but many psoriasis sufferers find that the products found in your local drug store are simply not enough. Talk to your doctor about prescription topical ointments, such as Anthralin, Dovonex, or Taclonex if you are not finding relief from over-the-counter psoriasis shampoo's or solutions.
For those affected by psoriasis that is non-responsive to topical treatments, systemic medications may be the answer. Usually reserved for those with moderate to severe psoriasis, these prescriptions are used to essentially treat psoriasis from the inside out. Methotrexate, which has grabbed the most media attention recently, is a commonly prescribed medication. Once used to treat cancer, Methotrexate was discovered to effectively treat psoriasis and has been approved by the FDA since the 1970's.
Considered one of the more "extreme" options in psoriasis treatment, phototherapy is used exclusively in a clinical setting, such as a doctor's office or psoriasis clinic. Using wavelengths of ultraviolet light, the skin is exposed to a light source on a set schedule, and with extreme consistency. Without a consistent schedule, phototherapy cannot effectively treat your psoriasis.
The key to proper psoriasis treatment is constant communication with your doctor. Finding the psoriasis treatment that works for you may not be easy, but never give up. With the many treatment options now available, there is one right for you!

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