If you suffer from psoriasis, you know that it’s difficult to deal with the itchy and painful sores that develop on your body. Don’t worry, you’re not fighting this battle alone–around 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis too.
Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it can be especially difficult to treat. Experts still aren’t sure what the cause of the condition is, but they do know that it has something to do with genetics.
Unfortunately, psoriasis doesn’t have a cure. There are only ways you can manage it with medication, therapy, and home remedies. Here are the psoriasis treatment guidelines that you need to know:
Psoriasis Treatment Guidelines
The goal of psoriasis treatments is to lessen swelling and to prevent skin cells from growing too fast. The ideal outcome is to have clearer skin and a more comfortable life.
Don’t give up if you don’t see results–keep trying until you find a psoriasis treatment that works.
Try Medications
Many people with moderate to severe psoriasis turn to medication. Your doctor can prescribe biologic medication or systemic–it all depends on what works best for your type of psoriasis.
Biologic Medication
Usually, you’ll be given biologic medication with a shot or through an IV. Biologic drugs are protein-based medication made from living cells. They aim to stop a certain type of immune cell from contributing to psoriasis.
Systemic Medication
On the other hand, systemic medication flows throughout your entire body. If your moderate to severe psoriasis isn’t affected by light therapy or ointments, then systemic drugs might be right for you. You can receive an injection containing the medication, or you can simply take a pill.
Utilize Ointments
You can opt for over-the-counter topical options to put on your skin, or you can get one prescribed by your doctor. It all depends on your personal preference.
OTC Topicals
If you decide to go with the OTC route, keep an eye out for salicylic acid. This topical medicine will make the top layer of your skin peel and shed. You can get salicylic acid as a soap shampoo, ointment, and more.
Coal tar is another ingredient in reliable OTC ointments. Coal tar will also cause your skin to shed whether you use it in the lotion or shampoo form.
Prescribed Topicals
Nonsteroidal ointments can prevent the excess skin growth caused by psoriasis.
Corticosteroids are prescribed more often to treat psoriasis. These steroids are anti-inflammatory, but they have side effects with prolonged use. For example, your skin might thin and you’ll become resistant to treatment.
Undergo Light Therapy
In addition to using medicated ointment or taking a drug for psoriasis, you can also undergo light therapy. These sessions can be done in your doctor’s office, or even in the comfort of your own home if you have the right equipment. You might notice some redness or itchiness after undergoing treatment, but the benefits are worth it.
Ultraviolet B
Ultraviolet B (UVB) is an effective plaque psoriasis treatment. It’s also a great alternative for someone who has moderate to severe psoriasis, or for people with smaller plaques. The light is usually transferred through broadband or narrowband UVB.
Psoralen Ultraviolet A
Psoralen Ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is for people with very severe psoriasis. This treatment exposes patients to ultraviolet A light. Doctors usually recommend taking a Psoralen as well. Psoralen is a drug that makes you less vulnerable to the ultraviolet light, making the effects of the therapy stronger.
Take Daily Supplements
In addition to your medication or therapy, you can also start taking daily vitamins and supplements that can help ease your symptoms. Not only will these supplements keep your psoriasis at bay, but they’ll also make the rest of your body healthier. Vitamin D, fish oil, and aloe vera can all be used to deter mild symptoms.
Turmeric is another supplement that you can take as a pill, use as a paste, or you can add to your food. You may think turmeric is just a spice, but it actually has been shown to reduce inflammation in those with psoriasis.
Relax With a Long Bath
You might find hot water to be painful on your skin. However, adding Epsom salt, milk or olive oil to your bath can relieve your itching, while soothing your plaques. Rub some moisturizer on your skin after the bath to feel even better.
Stay Moisturized
If your skin seems to be constantly dry throughout the day, it’s time to add some moisture to the air around you and into your skin. Place a humidifier on your desk at work or in your house. The air will stay moist, keeping your skin feeling comfortable.
You can also try using moisturizers for sensitive skin. They’ll ensure your skin is soft, while also stopping plaques before they start.
Watch Your Diet
Did you know that diet your diet can affect your psoriasis? A survey shows that people with psoriasis who cut down on gluten, alcohol, and vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants suffer from milder symptoms.
Make sure to get your daily dose of antioxidants and keep your meals low-calorie. Having a healthy weight and eating foods that are good for you can significantly reduce your symptoms.
Don’t Stress
Stress can aggravate your psoriasis symptoms and can even cause a flare-up. This, unfortunately, occurs because of the body’s natural response to stress. Your immune system releases too many chemicals during a stressful moment, triggering inflammation.
Your psoriasis gives you enough stress as it is–find ways to reduce stress in other aspects of your life. Consider signing up for a yoga or meditation class. Even daily exercise is shown to help in reducing stress.
Applying Psoriasis Guidelines
Psoriasis is a struggle, but with the use of medication, treatments, and natural remedies, your flare-ups can be alleviated. These psoriasis treatment guidelines are important in attaining healthy skin and a better quality of life.
It can be challenging whether you or a loved one suffers from psoriasis–caring for someone with psoriasis can be especially difficult. At Seasons Memory Care Facility, our team ensures that your loved one is taken care of. Contact us to learn more about our care center.
