The treatment of psoriasis is symptomatic and long-term. It is most often treated locally by applying ointments, creams or lotions based on dermocorticoids or vitamin D3 analogues to the skin. Additional treatment is necessary in the most severe forms. Check here all the natural treatments you can try: Psoriasis Home Remedies.
The choice of treatment for psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease for which there are effective treatments for flare-ups, which can lead to remissions or an improvement phase. However, there is no cure for the disease.
The treatment alternates between attacking acute psoriasis flare-ups and lighter maintenance treatments.
It depends on :
- the type of psoriasis
- its location,
- its extent (how much of the body is affected?),
- the existence or not of associated psoriatic arthritis,
- the impact of the disease on daily life, both personal and professional
- the psychological impact,
- the age and general state of health of the patient.
- It is most often based on the use of local treatments in the usual forms. Much more rarely, in severe forms, a general treatment (by mouth or by injections) may be prescribed.
Local treatment of the usual forms of psoriasis
In all cases, the treatment of psoriasis is long. It is therefore necessary to establish a long-term relationship of trust between patient and doctor.
Dermocorticoids and psoriasis
These products fight the inflammation of psoriasis and are usually used as a daily application. They are used for a limited period of time.
Ointments and creams based on strong corticoids are used on thick areas of the skin (e.g. elbows, knees, etc.) and weaker corticoids on the face. Ointments are mainly used on dry areas, whereas creams are more suitable for folds or mucous membranes.
A lotion or shampoo containing a dermocorticoid is used to treat the scalp with psoriasis.
Vitamin D3 analogue products
These vitamin D3 analogue products are available as creams, ointments and lotions. They combat the multiplication of skin cells. The prescribed dose should not be exceeded to avoid the risk of hypercalcaemia due to the vitamin D being absorbed by the body.
Vitamin D analogues can be combined with dermocorticoids. This combination, in the form of an ointment or gel, is very effective in the intensive treatment of an acute flare of psoriasis (one application daily for up to 4 weeks). It can be used at a lower dose for maintenance treatment (one application per week).
Other topical products
These are:
- starch, wheat or oil-based baths or moisturisers to clean the lesions, calm the inflammation and stop the itching of psoriasis;
- Salicylic acid, often combined with petroleum jelly, to clean the very scaly lesions of psoriasis;
- tazarotene for very localised psoriasis. This topical retinoid is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Phototherapy: puvatherapy and UVB phototherapy
Phototherapy can be used for the whole body in extensive forms of psoriasis, but also locally when the damage is restricted to one area of the body. The treatment is carried out over a period of about 2 months.
Two types of phototherapy can be used to treat psoriasis:
- Puvatherapy, which uses UVA light. Exposure to UVA rays in a cabin takes place after taking a photosensitising drug (from the psoralen family).
- UVB phototherapy (without prior medication).
The use of phototherapy is limited in time because of the acceleration of skin ageing and the increased risk of skin cancer (melanoma, etc.). In general, it is not used on children under 12 years of age.