MEDICATION

Psoriasis medication is available to treat all types of psoriasis. Some of these medications will need to be prescribed by a doctor. Others may be bought over the counter.

• Tar was used for many years to treat psoriasis. It is available over-the-counter.
• Anthralin is a steroid-free topical psoriasis treatment, generally used to treat plaque psoriasis.
• Dovonex is a synthetic vitamin D3 product. It is available by prescription. Dovonex slows down the rate of skill cell growth.
• Salicylic acid helps removes scales. It is available by prescription or over-the-counter.
• Tazorac is a derivative of vitamin A. Tazorac can be bought as psoriasis cream or gel.
• Topical steroids are available by prescription.
• Phototherapy (including UVB phototherapy and PUVA) exposes the skin to light.
• Psoriasis medicine may be prescribed by your doctor. Some common ingredients in psoriasis medicine are amevive, raptiva, cyclosporine, methotrexate and soriatane.

PSORIASIS CURE

As yet, there is no known cure for psoriasis. Researchers are studying psoriasis and trying to find a psoriasis cure.

Preventative Strategies

It can be difficult to prevent psoriasis outbreaks, but avoiding some of the possible triggers for your psoriasis can reduce the amount of outbreaks that occur. It is important to know the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can recognize psoriasis as soon as it occurs and identify any possible triggers. It is not always possible to avoid all psoriasis triggers, but try to avoid triggers as much as you can.

• Stress. This is a very hard one to avoid, especially as the psoriasis may, in itself, be a cause of stress.Learn some relaxation techniques and strategies for coping with stress.
• Extreme weather conditions. Protect your skin from the sun and the cold.
• Skin injuries or traumas. Skin injuries may trigger a psoriasis episode. Be extra careful in trying to avoid any injuries to the skin.
• Respiratory infections. Keep your immune system healthy by eating well and resting. A healthy immune system will be better able to fight off any infections quickly.
• Dry skin. Keep your skin moisturized. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a good moisturizer for your condition.

Treating Psoriasis

Treating psoriasis needs to be done on an individual basis. Different people will respond differently to medications and treatments. Specific types of psoriasis may need specific types of treatment. Discuss all of your psoriasis symptoms with your doctor. Make sure you mention any specific psoriasis symptoms (such as those associated with scalp psoriasis or genital psoriasis). You should also tell the doctor if there has been anything that may have triggered a psoriatic episode. Your doctor will then be able to help you find the best psoriasis treatment, according to your particular needs.