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Best Treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is no joke. This stubborn skin condition appears on multiple parts of the body including the elbows, scalp, face, lower back, arms, legs, feet, and just about anywhere else on the body. With symptoms like itching, redness, and sometimes the appearance of red, scaly patches, psoriasis can at times be unbearable. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the disease; however, the symptoms can be successfully managed. We’ve created a short list of the best treatment options for psoriasis to help offer you much-needed relief.

What Are the Best Treatments for Psoriasis

Laser Treatment

As of recently, laser treatment has been a non-invasive option for successfully treating psoriasis. Using an excimer laser, a licensed surgeon can focus a single laser beam over the skin and safely clear away psoriasis plaque and begin the healing process of active lesions. The great thing about laser treatment is that it penetrates below the skin, causing no harm to healthy tissue. This is also why the procedure is non-invasive and virtually painless.

Light Therapy

While there are multiple types of light therapy used to treat various conditions, Narrowband UVB light therapy is used to treat psoriasis. Part of the reason behind the patchy and scaly rash is due to rapid cell turnover. This means that cells are dying more frequently than normal. The dead cells pile up on the skin, causing plaque and build-up. Narrowband UVB light therapy, therapy that utilizes the glow from the sun, can successfully slow down the rapid death of cells. For some patients, carefully sunbathing can be the perfect form of Narrowband UVB light therapy. However, for others, dermatologists may recommend the use of light boxes, or devices that emit artificial light that has the same effect as the sun’s natural glow.

Topical Creams/Ointments

For those with mild psoriasis, the employment of modern technology is not necessary. Good old-fashioned prescription topical creams and ointments can be applied to problem areas to reduce the amount of dead cell build-up and even minimize irritating symptoms like itchiness and redness. Creams may include medications like corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D, anthralin, and even salicylic acid.

Injections/Oral Medication

Oral medication and injections have been used to clear psoriasis. Many of these medications like methotrexate and cyclosporine are used to treat other conditions like cancer and even organ rejection. It just so happens that they also successfully clear psoriasis and reduce the appearance of symptoms. Unfortunately, this option may have serious side effects, so it is only prescribed as a last resort when all other methods have failed.

Psoriasis sufferers must consider numerous factors before choosing the right psoriasis treatment option. Skin sensitivity, allergies, level of severity, and family history all play a role in making that decision. Choosing the right dermatologist to offer you the best treatment is also just as important.

If you are in Cincinnati, Ohio, then you’ll be glad to know that our experts at The Dermatology Group are here to help you determine the best course of action for your psoriasis treatment. Give us a call today!

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