Psoriasis: Common Causes and Triggers (Part 2)

There are a number of effective treatment choices for psoriasis. The most suitable treatment is determined by the doctor on an individual basis depending on the type, severity, and affected areas of the skin. Though it is not curable, psoriasis is controlled and managed by avoiding external triggers and with the use of proper medication and promising new therapies. For mild psoriasis in which small areas of the body are affected, topical treatment is usually suggested by the doctors. This includes creams, lotions, and sprays. Occasionally a steroid injection into a resistant psoriatic plaque may be effective. Another treatment option is ultraviolet therapy. In some cases, systematic medication may be required to stop the progression of psoriasis. Following are the most effective treatment options for psoriasis:

1- Topical treatments:

Application of prescribed creams and ointments directly onto the affected skin can be effective in minimizing mild to moderate psoriasis. They include:

• topical corticosteroids
• topical retinoids
• vitamin D analogues
• salicylic acid
• moisturizers
• bath salts

2- Systemic medications:

People with moderate to severe psoriasis, may need to use oral medications.  Choosing the right medication is an intricate issue that requires the help of your dermatologist. Since many of these medications have severe side effects, doctors usually prescribe them for short periods of time.  They include:

• methotrexate
• acetretin (Soriatane)
• cyclosporine(Sandimmune)
• biologics
• apremilast (Otezla)

3- Phototherapy (light therapy):

This treatment entails the use of ultraviolet (UV) light sources to clear psoriasis. These treatments are usually given in clinics two to three times per week and consistency is key for their success.

A combination of treatments and therapies may be suggested by the doctor to reduce symptoms depending on the condition of each patient.

4- AVOIDING TRIGGERS:

• Treating psoriasis with proper diet:

Proper diet and healthy living habits ensure sound health and body fitness. Although healthy food can’t cure psoriasis, it can be significantly reduce it.  You should not take saturated fats. Meat, particularly red meat, and dairy products should also be avoided. Eat food that contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, walnuts and soybeans.

• Lose weight:

If you’re overweight, losing weight may reduce the condition’s severity. Losing weight may also make treatments more effective. Overall health also improves by losing weight.

• Drink less alcohol:

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of flare- ups. You can quit this habit smoothly with the help of your doctor.

• Consider taking vitamins:

A vitamin rich diet is strongly recommended. Adequate nutrients should be included in your diet and suggested supplements should be taken.

• SkiReducing stress by exercise and yoga:

Stress and anxiety should be avoided as they also triggers psoriasis. Management techniques should be adopted to reduce flare-ups.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Controlling the triggers and getting the appropriate treatment will enable you to control flare-ups. You can book an appointment with our expert dermatologists in Karachi, Faisalabad and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT doctor for your health concerns.