5 treatment options for psoriasis sufferers

While there's no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments to help relieve the symptoms and help you deal with outbreaks. Discover your five best options.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the skin. Skin cells reproduce too quickly, then accumulate and form a layer of (damaged) membrane. Approximately one-to-four per cent of the population suffers from one form of psoriasis or another. The cause of psoriasis is still relatively unknown, but fortunately doctors do know how to treat it.

• Plaque psoriasis: It is the most common form and accounts for 80 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease. As the name suggests, it produces large red patches of scaly skin, mostly on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
• Guttate: The name is associated with the appearance of what looks like small pink drops on the surface of the skin. They can cover a large part of the body and are sometimes triggered by another infection or illness, when the immune system is already weakened, or by taking medication.
• Pustular psoriasis: This is a rare form of psoriasis, and is defined by the appearance of tiny white bumps containing non-infectious pus. They are often located on the hands and soles of the feet, but can sometimes cover the entire body.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type of psoriasis can have serious complications, and it is important to be followed by a physician if you suspect you have it. It can manifest and spread over large parts of the body, resulting in extremely painful and itchy skin.
• Psoriasis folds (inverse psoriasis): In this case, the psoriasis is hidden within the creases of the body i.e., the armpits, groin, skin folds and any place on the body where there is friction and perspiration.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition and there is no cure; however you can control its symptoms. Here’s how:

1. Topical preparations: For milder and less acute forms, prescription creams are often enough.
2. Pharmaceuticals: When psoriasis is severe and doesn’t respond to topical agents, oral medications may be prescribed to boost the immune system (e.g., Acitretin, cyclosporine, methotrexate).
3. Phototherapy: This is recommended in some cases of psoriasis, and is often combined with prescription medication. Adverse side effects have been reported in people who abuse this treatment; your doctor will explain proper practises and give you guidelines to follow.
4. Constant moisturizing of the skin: Regardless of the type of psoriasis or its severity, it is necessary to keep the skin well hydrated. After every bath or shower, apply an ample amount of moisturizer. This will control dryness and reduce itching and discomfort.
5. Bathing: Taking a bath in warm water (using skin soothing products like Epsom salt), for 10 minutes every day also improves symptoms.