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What Can Be
Done?
Psoriasis can usually
be controlled, but not cured. Topical steroids
are the first lines of treatment to control inflammation.
Combination therapies using topical steroids and
Vitamin D or Vitamin A prescription creams provide
more relief from the symptoms of psoriasis.
Tar is another
topical medicine used to treat psoriasis. Tars
are used in shampoos for scalp psoriasis and tar
oil can be added to a bath for soaking the whole
skin area. Tar preparations applied directly to
the infected area at bedtime is most effective.
Various oral medications
are available for severe psoriasis. These include
methotrexate, acetretin, and cyclosporine. Side
effects exist for each of these medicines and
our professional staff will advise of the potential
risks before beginning one of these treatments.
Ultraviolet light
therapy (UVB) has been shown to improve psoriasis.
Occasionally UVA light may be used. It can be
used alone or in conjunction with topical steroids
or tar therapy.
Latest Treatment - Biologic Modifiers
The latest treatments consist of "biologic
modifiers", products such as Enbrel, Remicaide,
and Amevive. These immunologically engineered
products are taken either through injection or
intravenously with minimal side effects or risks.
They have been specifically formulated for autoimmune-type
diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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