Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by patches of red and scaly skin. It can affect any body part but most commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, and knees. There is no known origin, but it is thought to be due to an autoimmune response in which white blood cells attack skin-hairs follicles, causing inflammation and scaliness.
Psoriasis is not merely a cosmetic condition, nor is it contagious. Additionally, despite being one of the more prevalent skin conditions doctors encounter, the general population continues to have misconceptions about this rash of red, scaly, and patchy areas.
If you have been suffering or you know someone with this condition, you might want to look at some options on how it is being treated.
What is a Psoriasis?
Typically, skin cells grow in the skin’s deeper layers and gradually emerge for roughly a month. This process takes a few days with psoriasis. Red, flaky rashes are caused when the old and new skin cells combine.
The rashes can appear practically everywhere, although they typically develop on the scalp, knees, or outside of the elbow. Psoriasis can occasionally cause stinging, burning, and itching sensations.
People aged 15 to 35 are more likely to get psoriasis. Psoriasis frequently runs in families and is inherited. Since this illness is not contagious, neither can you contract it from another person nor, if you already have it, spread it to someone else by touching them. You cannot transfer psoriasis to other parts of your body.
What are your treatment options?
Many treatment options are available for mild psoriasis, including topical agents such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations, which may decrease symptoms. Which treatments you use will depend on the severity of your psoriasis and how responsive it has been to previous therapies and self-care approaches.
Before you find a strategy that works, you might need to experiment with several medications or different combinations of therapies. There are several treatments for psoriasis, even if there is no known cure.
TOPICAL MEDICINES
Topical medicines are applied to the skin. They can treat mild psoriasis, moderate psoriasis, and severe psoriasis. Some of the topical medications that are being considered are the following:
- Corticosteroids. The most often given treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis are these. They come from oils, ointments, creams, gels, foams, sprays, lotions, and shampoos.
- Retinoids. These are offered as a gel or cream under Tazorac, Average, and others. It is administered once or twice a day. The most prevalent side effects are increased light sensitivity and skin irritation.
- Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid-containing shampoos and scalp treatments reduce the scaling brought on by scalp psoriasis. This substance makes the scalp more receptive to drug absorption; therefore, it can be used alone or in conjunction with other topical therapies.
PHOTOTHERAPY
Phototherapy is a treatment that uses ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis. Light therapy is the primary line of treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, either by itself or in conjunction with medication. It entails exposing the skin to doses of artificial or natural light, and treatments must be repeated.
- Sunlight. Heliotherapy, or regular, brief exposures to sunshine, may help with psoriasis. Ask your doctor about the healthiest method to utilize natural light to treat psoriasis before starting a sun regimen.
- UVB light. The most common form of phototherapy is UVB light, which mimics sunlight and helps to decrease inflammation and shrink lesions.
SYSTEMIC MEDICINES
If your psoriasis is moderate to severe or prior therapies have not been successful, your doctor may suggest oral or injectable (systemic) medications. Due to the potential for serious adverse effects, several of these medications are only taken for limited periods and may be used in combination with other therapies.
Systemic medicines have side effects that can be serious, including:
- Redness and swelling of the skin (photosensitivity)
- Liver problems, kidney problems, dizziness or vertigo, confusion or lightheadedness (especially in people with tuberculosis)
BIOLOGICS
These medications, often injected, change the immune system to break the disease cycle and relieve symptoms and disease indicators within weeks. When first-line medicines haven’t worked, many of these medications are licensed to treat moderate to severe psoriasis in patients.
Because biologics have the potential to weaken the immune system in ways that raise the risk of life-threatening infections, they should be administered with caution. Tuberculosis testing is required for individuals receiving these therapies.
Are there other treatments you can consider?
You cannot always show up at the doctor’s office so you can get psoriasis treated. That is why we are giving you some alternatives that can relieve you even for a short time. Here are some home remedies for treating minor symptoms.
- Take your vitamins. Dietary supplements could provide internal relief for psoriasis symptoms.
- Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera has occasionally been found to lessen the redness and irritation brought on by psoriasis.
- Manage your diet. In controlling psoriasis, diet may be necessary. Limiting foods that cause flare-ups, such as red meat, saturated fats, refined sugars, carbs, and alcohol, may be beneficial.
- Reduce stress. Any chronic illness, such as psoriasis, can cause stress, which exacerbates the disease’s symptoms. In addition to minimizing stress wherever feasible, consider adopting techniques like yoga and meditation.
Can psoriasis be prevented?
Although it cannot be cured, psoriasis may be managed. Individuals with psoriasis may have long stretches of symptom-free time, but that does not mean it won’t worsen or flare up at other times. Avoid anything that could cause flare-ups, such as:
- Dry skin
- Smoking
- Bruises on the skin
- colder climate
- infections (like the common cold or strep)
- illnesses that compromise immunity
- certain medications (such as beta-blockers)
Get your psoriasis treated today
The inflammatory skin condition psoriasis is a stable, recurrent condition. There is no one-size-fits-all cure for psoriasis, but that is good. At High Life Integrative Medicine, we collaborate with you to choose the best psoriasis medication to lessen or eliminate your symptoms. Contact High Life right now, and get the best treatment possible!