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Overview
Psoriasis is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It attacks the hands, feet, knees, genitals, elbows and the scalp. There are four types of psoriasis: Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular and Erythrodermic. Each has similar causes, including genetics, infection, stress, illness and an allergic reaction to medicine. The severity of psoriasis is measured by how much of the body is covered: 2 percent is mild, 3 to 10 percent is moderate and over 10 percent is severe.
How to Treat Psoriasis
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Step 1
Apply an over-the-counter topical medication to your skin. In psoriasis, poor signals to the brain cause skin cells to grow in an abundance. Topical applications such as salicylic acid or tar slow down the cell producing process and provide relief to inflamed skin. -
Step 2
Obtain a prescription from your doctor for a stronger topical medication. Tazorac comes in a gel and contains vitamin A. It is used on the face, scalp and nails. Dovonex is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. Used on the scalp and nails, this prescription topical slows down cell production and removes scales. -
Step 3
Treat your psoriasis with a prescribed systemic medication if the topicals are not working. Systemics are oral treatments that have been approved by the FDA for treating psoriasis. They include Cyclosporine, first used to prevent organ rejection; Methotrexate, used to treat cancer; and Soriantane, a synthetic form of vitamin A. -
Step 4
Use biologics to treat your psoriasis. Biologics are made from animal or human proteins and have been used successfully for over 100 years. Remicade is a drug given to the patient by infusion in a doctor's office. Humira, Raptiva and Enbrel are all prescribed injections given to the patients by themselves in their homes. -
Step 5
Expose the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light at a doctor's office, or to an artificial UVB light source for a prescribed length of time. This type of light has been known to slow down rapid cell production. Success with phototherapy depends on consistent treatments.
- Skill: Moderately Easy
- Warning:
- Side effects of biologics include flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections and injection site itching and swelling.
