Discover effective strategies for managing psoriasis, including topical treatments, phototherapy, and combination approaches. Learn how personalized therapy can improve skin health and reduce symptoms of this chronic condition with proper medical guidance.

Effective Approaches to Psoriasis Relief

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder marked by red patches, itching, and thick, silver-white scales. Though it has no definitive cure, various therapies help reduce symptoms. Treatment choices depend on severity and personal response. Here’s a summary of common management options.

Topical Therapies for Psoriasis

Applied directly to affected areas, topical treatments provide targeted relief with minimal systemic effects.

Since symptoms vary, multiple topical options may be necessary to find the most effective solution.

Combining certain medications is possible, but some should be avoided together due to interactions.

Common topical medications include corticosteroids for reducing inflammation and itching in mild cases, Vitamin D analogs like calcipotriene to slow skin cell growth, and anthralin, which helps remove scales. Retinoids derived from vitamin A also decrease inflammation, while salicylic acid aids in scaling removal and skin shedding. Coal tar reduces scales and inflammation, and moisturizers help soothe dry skin.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

UV light, especially within 290-400 nm, can modulate immune responses and improve symptoms.

Ideal for extensive psoriasis unresponsive to topical treatments, affecting more than 5-10% of the body.

Controlled exposure to natural or artificial UV light reduces cell turnover, decreasing scales and inflammation.

Professional guidance ensures safe and effective sunlight use for psoriasis management.

UVB Light Therapy Details

Targeted UVB light is used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis, including widespread or resistant patches.

Possible side effects include redness and dryness, which can be mitigated with moisturizers.

Narrowband UVB is a more potent form performed multiple times weekly to deliver better results.

Some regimes combine UVB with coal tar therapy (Goeckerman), enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Potential Side Effects

Skin irritation or dermatitis

Headaches

Skin thinning or atrophy

Possible infections or adverse reactions