Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a serious skin condition which is affecting many segments of the population. It is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease which can spread from localized areas to the entire body. But it is not contagious! The skin develops red and white patches and in some cases inflammation and exfoliation of the skin are also observed. Since it is a chronic disease, so treatment is a major challenge.

Psoriasis, being a chronic skin condition cannot be eradicated completely. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals which encourage the speedy growth of skin cells. The red patches on the skin create psychological problems and this affects the quality of life and people tend to suffer from depression, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Physical discomfort in the form of itching and pain can come in the way of self-care, walking and sleeping. People affected by such conditions often opt for social isolation. But the symptoms can still be treated and controlled to some extent. Here are the various treatment options:

• Topical Treatment: One can soothe the skin on psoriatic plaques by the application of moisturizers, petroleum jelly, mineral oil and bath solutions. Medicated ointments containing vitamin D3, coal tar, fluocinonide, corticosteroids and retinoids can remove dry skin and reduce the inflammation. Treatment with Argan oil has also shown promising results. Activated Vitamin D can prevent skin proliferation.
• Phototherapy: Short sessions of non-burning exposure to sunlight on a daily basis have been found to be very helpful in some cases. It has been identified that the therapeutic value of sunlight comes from the ultraviolet rays. Topical medications work effectively in combination with ultraviolet light therapy to produce the best results.
• Photochemotherapy: This is a process called PUVA which involves the activation of a chemical called psoralen by the Ultraviolet A light. This process inhibits the abnormal multiplication of the psoriatic skin. But treatment with PUVA for a long term can cause cancer of the squamous cells.
• Systemic Treatment: Cases of Psoriasis which show resistance to phototherapy and topical treatments are to be treated via the intake of pills or through injections. The drugs are toxic and persons undergoing treatment need to undergo regular blood and liver function tests. Women need to use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy in the treatment period. Some people have witnessed a relapse of the conditions after the discontinuation of the systemic treatment. Methotrexate, retinoids and cyclosporine are traditionally used to treat psoriasis. Retinoids are actually synthetic forms of Vitamin A while Methotrexate and cyclosporine act as immunosuppressant medications. Antihistamine drugs can bring down itching to some extent.
• Alternative Therapy: According to some people, the symptoms of psoriasis can be treated well by a change in the diet and lifestyle. Diets rich in fatty acids derived from fish oils have proved to be beneficial. Vegetarian diets and diets involving low energy can also control the symptoms. Consumption of Oregon grape can also offer healing effects. Several other treatment options like Ichthyotherapy and Climatotherapy are also practiced. In Ichthyotherapy, doctor fish in open pools eat on the infected parts. This can be a treatment meant for temporary relief. The second option, climatotherapy, is based on the assumption that specific climates support the treatment of psoriasis. Based on this, numerous clinics have been opened across various regions. The Dead Sea has gained immense popularity in this regard.

Psoriasis has an equal probability of occurrence in both men and women. There is no permanent cure and treatment becomes a lifelong option. Again, the anti-psoriatic treatments can lead to an increased risk of the development of non-melanoma skin cancer.