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(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 21, 2012 ) New York, NY -- Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.
How to treat psoriasis?
Although there is no current cure for psoriasis, there is effective therapy that can control the condition by either reducing or clearing the patches. In the majority of cases can be treated by a GP.
If symptoms are severe, or if the patient has not responded well to treatment, the GP may refer them to a dermatologist (specialist skin doctor).
The aim of psoriasis treatment is to:
- Halt the cycle that causes increased skin cell production, leading to a reduction of inflammation and plaque production.
- Remove scale and smooth the skin.
The type of treatment depends on three main factors:
- The type of psoriasis
- The severity of symptoms
- Which areas of skin are affected
There are three main types of treatments, which are often used in combination:
1. Topical - medications that are applied to the skin and are intended to affect only a specific area of skin. Examples include creams and ointments.
2. Phototherapy - the skin is exposed to specific types of light.
3. Oral or injected medications - used mainly to reduce skin cell production.
Topical treatments- usually used for mild to moderate psoriasis treatment.
- Topical corticosteroids - the most commonly used medication for mild to moderate psoriasis treatment. This type of medication helps slow down the production of skin cells, resulting in less inflammation and itching.
Stronger corticosteroids may be used when small areas of skin are targeted.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions when using corticosteroids. Overuse can cause complications.
- Vitamin D analogues - these medications contain a synthetic form of vitamin D. They have a suppressing effect on the immune system and slow down the growth of skin cells. Calcipotriene or calclipotriol (Dovonex) is a prescription cream, ointment or solution, and is the most widely used vitamin D analogue for mild to moderate psoriasis. It may also be used in combination with other topical medications and/or phototherapy.
According to The National Health Service (NHS), UK, calcipotriol has no side effects, as long as the patient does not use more than the amount recommended by the doctor.
- Anthralin (USA), Dithranol (UK) - very effective in suppressing skin cell production. It is believed to normalize DNA activity in skin cells. It can also remove scales, making the skin smoother. It is sometimes used in combination with phototherapy (ultraviolet light).
According to The National Health Service (NHS), UK, it has no side effects.
It is just for short-term treatment, typically under hospital supervision because it stains virtually anything it touches, including skin, clothing, bedding and worktops.
- Topical retinoids (tazarotene) - commonly used to treat acne and skin damaged by overexposure to sunlight. However, tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) was developed just for psoriasis treatment. This cream contains a chemical similar to vitamin A; it normalizes DNA activity in skin cells, slowing down skin cell production and often reducing inflammation. It is used to treat moderate plaque psoriasis.
A common side effect is skin irritation. Some people find it increases their skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so often a sunscreen is recommended.
Topical retinoids have a much lower risk of birth defects than oral retinoids. However, if the patient is pregnant or intends to become pregnant it is important that the doctor be told. Topical retinoids are usually avoided if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Coal tar - this is probably the oldest treatment for psoriasis. Coal tar is a thick, black, heavy oil byproduct of the manufacture of petroleum products. It reduces scaling, itching and inflammation. Nobody is sure how it works. Although it has few known side effects, it is messy, has a strong smell, and can stain clothing and bedding. Coal tar can be bought OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription required) at pharmacies and other stores/supermarkets as shampoos, oils and creams.
Coal tar is frequently used in combination with phototherapy.
- Moisturizers - on their own, moisturizing creams will not heal the condition. However, they can help with itching and scaling, as well as reducing the dryness that sometimes occur with other therapies. Ointments containing a moisturizer are usually better than lighter lotions or creams.
- Salicylic acid (also chemically known as orthohydroxybenzoic acid) - obtained from plants (white willow back and wintergreen leaves). Patients with psoriasis can use it as a peeling agent in ointments, creams, gels and shampoos. Products can be bought over-the-counter. It is also the active ingredient in many products for the treatment of acne. Salicylic acid causes skin cells to slough off more easily, preventing them from blocking up the pores. It also reduces scaling.
Knowledge is the power of treatment
As psoriasis is a life-long condition, so it is important to take an active way in its management. Learning more about psoriasis, seeing a dermatologist to discuss treatment options, and developing a healthy lifestyle can help people live life to the fullest by avoiding its triggers. Know more about the treatment of psoriasis as more knowledge makes cure.
About Home Psoriasis Remedies
Home psoriasis remedies can give you recommendations general guidelines about how to avoid psoriasis triggers.
For more information about this topic please visit http://www.homepsoriasisremedies.com/
FH LOW
Rufus Ruiz
65983773223
fhlow85@hotmail.com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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