Oral and therapy treatment for psoriasis

Dr Maithili Kamat, Consultant Dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre helps us in understanding the latest treatment options for psoriasis.

Research in psoriasis treatment often doesn t hog the headline, unlike how the breakthrough researches in cancer or heart stroke does. But, in the recent past, it is interesting to note how psoriasis is categorised as immune system disease. Dr Maithili Kamat, Consultant Dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre helps us in understanding the latest treatment options for psoriasis.

Latest topical treatments for psoriasis - Topical treatment for psoriasis is medication applied to the skin. These are usually the first line of therapy in treating psoriasis. Topical treatments slow down or normalise excessive cell reproduction and reduce psoriasis inflammation.There are many OTC products like moisturisers and products containing Salicylic acid, Coal Tar etc. Prescription-based medicines containing Corticosteroids (steroids) or non-steroid drugs like anthralin, Vitamin D analogue- Calcipotriol, Calcineurin inhibitor-Tacrolimus, Retinoids- Tazarotene. Prescription-based topical drugs should strictly be monitored by a dermatologist.

Topical corticosteroids are effective for treating psoriasis - Topical Corticosteroids (TCS) are used as anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the swelling and redness of psoriasis lesions.

TCS are available in a wide variety of strengths, right from super strong or "superpotent" (Class 1) to extremely weak or "least potent" (Class 7). The choice of the steroid potency depends on the site and severity of psoriasis. TCS have to be used for limited time periods and strictly under the supervision of a dermatologist. Read more about Psoriasis: Not just skin deep; linked to 10 other chronic diseases

Newest available oral treatment for psoriasis -The newest available oral treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is Otezla (apremilast). It is an oral pill that helps your immune system fight inflammation in psoriasis by inhibiting a substance called phosphodiesterase. Otezla is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in people who may also receive phototherapy or other treatments for psoriasis. Before giving you the medicine, your doctor will check for your past history of depression or suicidal thoughts; kidney disease; or if you take seizure medication.

Oils can be good for psoriasis - Fish oil containing omega-3 - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) taken orally can be adjuvant treatment in psoriasis care.

Top 3 therapies for treating psoriasis

Narrow band UVB therapy treatment - Present in natural sunlight, ultraviolet B (UVB) is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. The treatment involves close-fitting the skin to a synthetic UVB light source on a regular schedule. This treatment is controlled in a medical setting preferably. Read here 5 foods you should NOT eat if you suffer from psoriasis

Goeckerman therapy - First formulated in 1925 by American dermatologist William H. Goeckermans, the regimen is for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis using a combination of crude coal tar and artificial ultraviolet radiation. It is a specialized form of light therapy.

Photochemotherapy or psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) - PUVA is a combination treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and then exposing the skin to UVA (long wave ultraviolet radiation). Psoralens are compounds found in many plants which make the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA. For oral PUVA, methoxsalen capsules are taken two hours before the UVA exposure. In most cases, treatment is undertaken two or three times each week. The patient should always wear goggles to protect the eyes from exposure to the radiation.

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