9 Treatments to Soothe Psoriasis

1. 9 Treatments to Soothe Psoriasis -JUN ‘18

2. 1 / 10 PSORIASIS CAN’T BE CURED, BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO MANAGE IT If you’re one of the 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis, then you know how unpredictable the condition can be. While psoriasis can be treated in a number of ways, it’s chronic and cannot be cured. The effects of the disease vary from person to person, and it can exact both a physical and an emotional toll. That’s why it’s so important that patients work with their doctor to determine the best treatment options at any given time. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly plaques on the skin. It can surface on various parts of the body, such as the scalp, knees, elbows, lower back, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

3. 2 / 10 MOST PSORIASIS TREATMENT PLANS BEGIN WITH TOPICALS Many people who are treated for psoriasis use some type of topical medication. Topicals containing cortisone are commonly prescribed for symptoms of psoriasis. Coal tar and anthralin ointments or creams can also help minimize symptoms. Psoriasis treatments that help slough off the scales from the skin include salicylic acid and lactic acid, while a shampoo formulated to treat psoriasis can typically treat symptoms on the scalp.

4. 3 / 10 SYSTEMIC AND BIOLOGIC DRUGS TREAT SEVERE PSORIASIS CASES More severe cases of psoriasis may require treatment with medication that can circulate throughout the system. These include systemic and biologic drugs. Systemic drugs, which affect the entire immune system, are typically taken in liquid or pill form, although some may be given by injection.

5. 4 / 10 SEVERAL PSORIASIS DRUGS CAN BE TAKEN ORALLY If you’re nervous about injections, there’s good news: Many of the systemic drugs that are effective in the treatment of psoriasis can be administered orally. One of these drugs is cyclosporine, a medication that was originally given to people who have received an organ transplant, to prevent rejection.

6. 5 / 10 LIGHT THERAPY SLOWS SKIN CELL GROWTH TO HELP PSORIASIS Light therapy, or phototherapy, treats psoriasis by safely exposing your skin to ultraviolt light on a regular basis under a doctor’s supervision. The treatment works by slowing the growth of skin cells. There are different types of light therapy available. Your doctor may recommend combining a light-sensitizing substance (psoralen) with ultraviolet A light exposure, a treatment known as PUVA.

7. 6 / 10 A WARM BATH CAN SOOTHE PSORIASIS, BUT REMEMBER TO MOISTURIZE Home remedies are not a substitute for psoriasis treatment, but they may relieve some of your symptoms. Soaking in a warm bath for 15 minutes can loosen scales, which reduces itching and inflammation. Sprinkling one cup of oatmeal in your bath water can help get rid of those stubborn, thick scales on the skin. After your bath, be sure to seal in moisture. There are plenty of creams and lotions to choose from containing natural ingredients, like olive oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera. Try different moisturizers to find the ones that work best for you.

8. 7 / 10 STRESS IS A PSORIASIS TRIGGER, SO LEARN TO RELAX Research, such as a study published in May 2015 in the journal BMC Dermatology, suggests that stress and psoriasis can be a vicious cycle. The physical effects of psoriasis can cause psychological distress which, in turn, triggers more symptoms. Find ways to relax by getting regular exercise, practicing stretching and deep breathing withyoga, or joining a psoriasis support group. Make time for activities that you really enjoy and consider them part of your regular psoriasis treatment — even if it's just meeting friends for a workout, dinner, or a movie.

9. 8 / 10 WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT FISH THERAPY FOR PSORIASIS Ichthyotherapy, or fish therapy, is an alternative treatment in which tiny toothless fish pick away at the skin to remove psoriasis scales. Known as doctor fish, these small fish are members of the carp and minnow family. They’re most commonly found in hot-spring pools in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, known as the Kangal hot springs. Bathers with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis claim that when the fish feed on their skin, their condition gets better. But several states have banned fish spa treatments because, as Nanette Silverberg, MD, the director of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, cautions, they “can carry bacterial pathogens, which can infect open wounds."

10. 9 / 10 ANCIENT TREATMENTS LIKE ACUPUNCTURE MAY OFFER PSORIASIS RELIEF Scientific evidence about how effective the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture is in treating psoriasis has been mixed. A study published in May 2016 in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that acupuncture therapy for psoriasis offered long-lasting therapeutic value with minimal side effects. On the other hand, an older Swedish study found that acupuncture had no convincing effect in psoriasis patients. Still, many psoriasis patients believe acupuncture can improve symptoms or even lead to remission. If you’re thinking about acupuncture, talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you and how to find a qualified practitioner. You can also consult the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture website.

11. 10 / 10 BATHING IN DEAD SEA SALTS OR BAKING SODA CAN HELP PSORIASIS For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea in Israel to take advantage of the mineral-rich water’s therapeutic properties. It's believed that lithium and manganese may be among the elements that make Dead Sea salt an effective psoriasis treatment. If you can't afford a plane ticket to Israel or packaged Dead Sea salts, studies suggest that a simple baking soda bath can also be effective. While a do-it-yourself home spa may not cure psoriasis, it can help relieve stress and reduce symptom flares.