While there is no cure for psoriasis, symptoms can be decreased, and in some cases, disappear, if they are well managed with treatment. A variety of treatments are available for psoriasis, and which is best for you will depend on a number of factors. In making a treatment decision, your GP or dermatologist will consider with you: the severity of your psoriasis, its location, how it is affecting your quality of life, and whether you have other health concerns.
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Topical treatments are used when the psoriasis is mild to moderate. ‘Topical’ means these treatments are applied directly to the skin, to help slow down excessive skin cell production and/or reduce the inflammation that psoriasis causes. They address psoriasis from the outside. Topicals include a variety of creams, ointments, gels and lotions some available over-the-counter, and some only available with a prescription.
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Phototherapy (or light therapy) uses ultraviolet light – the same UVA and UVB rays that the sun gives off naturally. This UV light is delivered via specially designed fluorescent tubes. Used to treat psoriasis that is moderate to severe, phototherapy is effective, but there are factors that need to be considered by you and your healthcare professional, including potential long-term skin damage, and the need for frequent treatments (eg. three times a week).
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Systemic treatments work to address psoriasis from the inside, via the blood, and are generally only prescribed for people whose condition is moderate to severe. They can be divided into two categories: standard systemic treatments, which are usually taken orally; and ‘biologic’ treatments, which are given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or infusion (into the vein).
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Standard systemic treatments are prescription medicines which work slightly differently depending on the active ingredient. For example, most of them work to reduce the immune system’s activity, while some may also affect how the skin cells behave.
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Biologic treatments work by blocking the action of specific immune cells or chemical messengers that are known to play a role in psoriasis.