Psoriasis Prevention & Treatment

How to Prevent Against This

There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatments can only minimize symptoms. Nothing will conclusively stop breakouts, and routine treatments won't reduce the condition's severity. Antibiotics will not work because the condition is not caused by bacteria. Nevertheless, treatments have become more specialized and targeted due to research. What works for some won't work for others, and you'll need to work with a doctor to determine your own routine. As a result, it's impossible for doctors to devise a "cookie cutter" treatment plan. Be patient. You should be prepared for some trial and error, no matter whether you have plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, seborrheic psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, erythroderma psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, skin fold psoriasis, or genital psoriasis. Don't rely on a doctor or dermatologist to find your treatment. You will need to be aggressive and proactive.

Doctors may go in steps when prescribing treatments. If a medication doesn't work, the doctor will identify a stronger treatment. The first step includes ointments and creams, the second includes radiation treatment, and the third is an oral or injected medication. Doctors will select treatments based on a combination of factors including age, sex, medical history, other conditions, and disease severity. A combination of treatments might also be necessary. When prescribing treatments, doctors will try to minimize all risks for side effects.

Mild to Moderate

If the disease is mild and has not spread, topical creams, moisturizers, and sprays are effective. Steroids can be injected into difficult patches of skin to help clear them up. If twenty percent or more of the skin is affected, medications and injections are typically prescribed. Cortisone is a commonly prescribed topical cream and injection. If you have psoriatic arthritis, you'll likely need a systemic medication.

Moderate to Severe

Treatment will also vary based on the disease's location. There are specialized treatments for the scalp in the form of a topical ointment. If topical ointments stop working, doctors will prescribe an FDA approved phototherapy radiation treatment that treats psoriasis by emitting ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Some severe cases will require surgery. With pustular psoriasis for example, the organs may become affected. People might be hospitalized and might need surgery.

Rotating Treatments

The medications for psoriatic arthritis can carry heavy risks and side effects. Prolonged steroid use can make them ineffective. For best results, treatments should be rotated. Again, be patient: dermatologists might need to try out a couple of options before finding a treatment that works for you.