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(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 21, 2012 ) New York, NY -- Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, and non-malignant dermatitis. Its flare-ups are more frequent in the autumn and winter and rarer in the summer. This dermatitis affect general health. That’s why we should treat it as soon as possible.
Psoriasis treatments aim to:
- Interrupt the cycle that causes an increased production of skin cells, thereby reducing inflammation and plaque formation.
- Remove scales and smooth the skin, which is particularly true of topical treatments that you apply to your skin.
Psoriasis treatments can be divided into three main types: systemic medications, light therapy and topical treatments.
Oral and injected medication - doctors may prescribe oral tablets or injections if symptoms are severe and other treatments have not been effective
- Methotrexate - this medication is an antimetabolite. It is a folic acid antagonist. It is used to treat diseases in which cell growth is excessive, such as psoriasis and some tumors. It is also helpful in treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
As far as psoriasis patients are concerned, methotrexate decreases the production of skin cells and suppresses inflammation.
The most common reactions (undesirable side effects) are:
- Possible liver damage
- Mouth sores
- Stomach upset
The following characteristics of methotrexate should also be borne in mind:
- Methotrexate
- Women should be especially careful not to get pregnant while taking methotrexate (and for three months after stopping treatment), because it can cause serious birth defects.
- Males should not attempt to get a partner pregnant with their sperm during treatment, and for three weeks after stopping treatment. Methotrexate may affect the development of sperm cells.
- Acitretin (Soriatane) - this is an oral retinoid, which is a synthetic form of vitamin A.
Acitretin helps control the multiplication of cells. It is used to treat severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments.
Acitretin should NOT be taken if:
- The patient is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Because of the risk of serious birth defects.
- The patient is breastfeeding.
- The patient has severe liver or kidney disease
During treatment and for three years after it is over, the patient should not donate blood; because it could expose pregnant women to acitretin.
The following side effects are possible:
- Dryness and cracking of lips
- Dryness in the nasal passages
- Hair loss
- Ciclosporine (ciclosporin) - this is an immunosuppressant medication.
Ciclosporin has been shown to be effective for all types of psoriasis. It is similar to methotrexate in effectiveness. As it reduces the patient’s immune system, patient may have a higher risk of infection, as well as cancer.
The risk of kidney disease and hypertension (high blood pressure) is also higher when taking this medication - the risk grows if dosages are higher, or therapy is longer lasting.
- Biologic treatments - biologics or biological products are made from living organisms; from living animal or human proteins.
According to the National Health Service, biologic treatments are very expensive; so they are only recommended for patients with severe psoriasis symptoms who have not responded adequately to other treatments.
These drugs are given by:
- Intravenous infusion - injecting into the vein.
- Intramuscular injection - injecting into muscle.
- Subcutaneous injection - injecting just under the skin.
Biologics block interactions between certain immune system cells.
Even though they are derived from natural sources, as opposed to chemical ones, they may have strong side effects on the immune system and should be used with caution.
Talk to a doctor about the options, especially if a patient is not improving after using a particular treatment or if they are having uncomfortable side effects. He or she can adjust the treatment plan or modify the approach to ensure the best possible control of the symptoms.
About Home Psoriasis Remedies
Home psoriasis remedies can give anyone 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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