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Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many
treatment options that can clear psoriasis for a period of time. Each
treatment has advantages and disadvantages, and what works for one
patient may not be effective for another. Board-certified dermatologists
have the medical training and experience needed to determine the most
appropriate treatments for each patient.
Diagnosis
There are several forms of psoriasis, and each form has
unique characteristics that allow dermatologists to visually identify
psoriasis to determine what type, or types, of psoriasis is present.
Sometimes a skin biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
To choose the most appropriate treatment method, dermatologists consider
several factors:
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Type of psoriasis
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Severity (the amount of skin affected)
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Where psoriasis is located
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Patient’s age and medical history
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Effects psoriasis has on patient’s overall physical and emotional
well-being
Types of Treatment
Psoriasis treatments fall into 3 categories:
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Topical (applied to the skin) – Mild to moderate psoriasis
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Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) –
Moderate to severe psoriasis
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Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) – Moderate, severe
or disabling psoriasis
While each of these therapies is effective,
there are also drawbacks.
Treatment Tip
Excessive skin dryness can trigger new psoriasis lesions. Regular skin care
with moisturizing and lubricating agents prevents skin dryness during and
between periods of psoriasis therapy. |
Some topicals are
messy and may stain clothing and skin.
Phototherapy can require 2 to 5 weekly visits
to a dermatologist’s office or psoriasis clinic
for several weeks. Many of the systemic
medications have serious side effects and
must be combined or rotated with other
therapies to maximize effectiveness and
minimize side effects. Research is being conducted to find therapies
that provide safe, effective, easy-to-use treatment options that provide
long-term relief.
More Information
Topical Preparations
Covers topical medications, moisturizers and agents that remove excess
scale.
Phototherapy
Explains the types of phototherapy used to treat psoriasis; includes
information about the excimer laser.
Systemic Medications
Information about FDA-approved systemic medications used to treat
psoriasis.
Other Systemic Medications
Research shows these drugs, which received FDA approval for treating
other conditions, may also be effective in clearing psoriasis.
AAD Consensus Statement on Psoriasis Therapy
Table lists the treatments contained in the consensus statement
developed by leading dermatologists and other experts.
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