Do you or someone you know suffer from psoriasis? This quick-read resource is packed with psoriasis treatment information so you will be well-informed about the range of psoriasis treatment options during your next medical visit.
“The spectrum of available psoriasis treatments and remedies range from invasive and non-invasive therapies to traditional remedies and holistic antidotes,” according to Kim Tuck, RN, President and Chief Executive Officer of NurseWise. “Your medical provider is always the best source to consult with about the most appropriate treatment regimens for your health.”
Some of the most popular psoriasis treatment options in the United States are:
Topical treatments
Topical treatments are salve and cream-based medications that are applied to the skin. Topical treatments are usually used as the first line of defense in treating psoriasis.
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This form of treatment slows and normalizes excessive cell reproduction and reduces inflammation. There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription topical treatments available for the treatment of psoriasis.
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The Rx route
Systemic medications are prescription medications that work throughout the body. They are usually used for individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Systemic medications are also used in those who are unresponsive or allergic to topical medications. Prescription treatments are often used with people who are unable to undergo UV light therapy.
Routine injections
In recent years, treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has improved drastically with the widespread usage of biologics. Biologics, also known as biologic response modifiers, are protein-based injections.
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Different from the traditional general medications that impact the entire immune system, biologics target specific parts of the immune system. The biologics used to treat psoriatic disease act by inhibiting mechanisms of the immune system that produce and intensify inflammation.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy or light therapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis under medical supervision.
Phototherapy treatments are performed in a medical provider’s office, psoriasis clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit. The key to success with light therapy is to exercise extreme caution and consistency in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
READ: The Psoriasis Diet
Complementary and alternative methods
Many patients with chronic conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, have an interest in holistic and alternative therapies. Holistic therapies include the consumption of special diets, natural herbs and dietary supplements.
Homeopathic therapies like aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation, and physical therapies like exercise and the ancient art of acupuncture and tai chi are preferential alternatives and supplements to more traditional medical approaches.
For more information, visit http://www.psoriasis.org.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Psoriasis center for more articles.
NurseWise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation that is in the business of providing multilingual telehealth (nurse triage and health education) services. We partner with health plans, hospitals, providers, colleges and universities, and other specialty organizations to ensure all callers have access to high-quality, appropriate care. Our services are designed to encourage callers to become active participants in their health care, engaging in activities that promote appropriate utilization of care resources as well as better health outcomes for individuals and their families. We have provided uninterrupted service every day since 1995. NurseWise experienced Customer Care Professionals and Registered Nurses at our Clinical Care CentersTM across the country provide Care.Right.Now. through delivery of health information, education, and advice in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. NurseWise has locations in Tempe, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and St. Louis, Mo. For more information, please visit our website or contact us [email protected].
