4 ways to manage psoriasis

Yesterday, I wrote about 5 truths about psoriasis, and today I’ll write about  ways to manage psoriasis. It is important to understand, though, that not all methods help all people, so there may be some trial and error involved in finding the right treatment for you.

1. Phototherapy: Some people respond to having light therapy that is directed towards the psoriasis patches. This therapy isn’t the same as going out into the sun though; it’s supervised and timed. That being said, there are portable units that can be used at home.
2. Creams and ointments: Using creams and ointments is called topical treatment – the medication is being placed directly on the affected skin. This is usually the first thing tried to manage the disease. Salicylic acid can be over-the-counter or a stronger version by prescription. Tar is used in many shampoos or bath products to work on the psoriasis lesions. There are several prescription creams that may or may not contain topical corticosteroids, as well.
3. Systemic medications: Systemic medications are what you take by mouth or through an injection or IV. For psoriasis, these are usually quite heavy duty so they are the last resort treatments. Medications include Remicade, Enbrel, and Humira, among many others.
4. Of course, there are some lifestyle changes that may help some people too. They include finding out which foods may encourage a psoriasis flare up, how long you stay out in the sun, and how much you exercise and sweat.

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Tags: pain blog, psoriasis, managing psoriasis, psoriasis treatment, phototherapy