Psoriasis Treatment
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/28/2006 at 05:14PM
Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure available for the permanent treatment of psoriasis. However there are many different treatment options that can be used to control psoriasis outbreaks. Some treatment methods require a prescription from your health care provider, but others can be tried at home with items found at your local pharmacy or natural health food store. Traditional treatment options for psoriasis include topical and systemic medications, biological preparations, and phototherapy. Alternative treatment methods are also available. These include acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, herbal preparations, and homeopathic remedies.
The most important thing to remember about treating psoriasis is that no one treatment will work for everyone. The goal is to find a treatment that works the best with the fewest side effects. Talk with your health care provider to diagnose the severity of your condition, and find the treatment option that is right for you.
Read on to learn more about the different treatment options that are available for the control and relief of psoriasis outbreaks.
Topical Psoriasis Treatments
Topical treatments are those that are applied directly to the skin. They are usually used as a first line of defense to control psoriasis, as health care providers will often prescribe them first for mild to moderate cases of the condition. These medications or preparations can be used normalize the rate of cells reproduction within the skin and reduce any redness or inflammation that may be associated with the condition.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is another possible treatment option for patients who suffer from psoriasis. This method involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It is often used in combination with topical preparations.
Systemic Psoriasis Treatments
Systemic medications can also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. They are medications that affect the entire body and they are usually reserved for treating patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Systemic medications include Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Soriatane, Accutane, Hydrea, Mycophenolate mofetil, Sulfasalazine, and 6-Thioguanine. These a very dangerous methods!
Biological Psoriasis Treatments
Some psoriasis medications are developed from biologic, or living, sources, such as cells. This is in contrast to the medications that are created from combinations of chemicals. Biologics may be sued to block the immune system responses that are involved in psoriasis.
Alternative Approaches
Acupuncture
This technique involves manipulating needles that are inserted into the body. The needles are placed at specific locations or acupressure points to relieve pain and treat disease.
Ayurvedic Medicine
This type of medicine is an ancient healing method that was originally practiced in India more than 5,000 years ago. It encourages a return to balance in one's body through diet, herbs, lifestyle and "right thinking."
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine utilizes herbal preparations for the treatment of psoriasis. Usually, each preparation will be specially suited to each patient depending upon the severity of their condition and the affect on other aspects of the sufferer�s health.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a school of medicine based on the premise that "like cures like." Preparations including petroleum, sulfur and nickel are often used in very diluted forms in the treatment of psoriasis.
