Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. Characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, psoriasis can range from mild to severe and influence not just physical health but also emotional well-being.
The good news? There are more treatment options available today than ever before. Whether you're newly diagnosed or trying to refine your current treatment plan, understanding the different options for psoriasis is essential to managing your symptoms and achieving clearer skin.
Understanding Psoriasis Types and Triggers
Before diving into treatments, it's important to understand that psoriasis isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several types of psoriasis, including:
- Plaque psoriasis (the most common form)
- Guttate psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis (a rare but severe form)
Additionally, psoriasis can develop almost anywhere on the body—scalp, elbows, knees, torso, hands, feet, and even nails or skin folds. The location and type of psoriasis often determine which treatments will work best. That’s why working with a board-certified dermatologist is crucial to finding the right treatment plan for you.
Prescription Treatments: Tailored and Effective
Dermatologists have many tools to help you manage your psoriasis. Depending on how severe it is and where it appears, your doctor might suggest:
1. Topical Psoriasis Treatment
Topical treatments are often the first line of defense, especially for mild to moderate psoriasis. These are applied directly to the skin and include:
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and slow skin cell turnover.
- Vitamin D analogs (like calcipotriene): Help regulate skin cell growth.
- Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that reduce scaling and inflammation.
- Coal tar: One of the oldest treatments, effective in reducing itch and scaling.
Topicals are especially effective for treating localized plaques, such as those on the elbows or knees. However, using potent steroids over a long period may cause skin thinning, so it's important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions carefully.
2. Systemic Treatments
For moderate to severe cases—or when psoriasis covers large areas of the body—systemic treatments might be needed. These include:
- Oral medications like methotrexate or cyclosporine
- Biologic drugs, which target specific parts of the immune system
Biologics are very effective but are usually reserved for people with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. They require ongoing medical supervision and are typically given by injection or infusion.
3. Light Treatment for Psoriasis
Also called phototherapy, light treatment involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of natural or artificial UV light. UVB light slows the growth of affected skin cells and can significantly lessen symptoms.
Light therapy can be especially effective for widespread psoriasis and is often administered in a dermatologist’s office. For localized areas, particularly on the scalp or difficult-to-treat spots, targeted excimer laser therapy might also be an option.
Over-the-Counter Treatment for Psoriasis
While prescription treatments are often necessary, there are over-the-counter options for psoriasis that can support your regimen and help you maintain results between dermatologist visits. Some popular OTC choices include:
- Moisturizers: Keeping the skin hydrated reduces scaling and itching. Look for thick creams or ointments containing ceramides, urea, or salicylic acid.
- Coal tar products: Available in shampoos, soaps, and ointments, coal tar can reduce flaking and itching, especially for scalp psoriasis.
- Salicylic acid: Helps soften and remove thick plaques.
- Hydrocortisone creams: Mild steroid creams may reduce inflammation in sensitive areas like the face or skin folds.
When shopping for OTC products, choose ones clearly labeled for psoriasis, and steer clear of products with fragrances or alcohol, as they can irritate the skin.
Does Treatment Vary by Type or Location?
Absolutely. How to clear up psoriasis often depends on where it appears and what form it takes. For example:
- Scalp psoriasis may respond well to medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid, coal tar, or ketoconazole, along with topical corticosteroids.
- Inverse psoriasis, which appears in skin folds, often requires low-strength topical steroids or non-steroidal creams due to the sensitivity of the area.
- Nail psoriasis can be stubborn and may require systemic treatments or biologics for meaningful improvement.
- Guttate psoriasis, which often follows infections like strep throat, may resolve on its own or respond to light therapy and short-term topical treatments.
This is why it’s so important to work with a dermatologist who can customize a treatment plan to your individual needs, lifestyle, and symptoms.
Combining Approaches for Best Results
Many people with psoriasis find the best results come from combining different treatments. For example, you might use a topical psoriasis medication for mild flare-ups while undergoing light therapy for more persistent patches. Or you might use an over-the-counter treatment daily to keep your skin hydrated and support your prescription medications.
Your dermatologist can assist you in layering these strategies safely and effectively.
You Have Options—and Hope
Living with psoriasis can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the wide range of treatments available today—including over-the-counter options and advanced biologics—there are real solutions to help manage flare-ups, reduce symptoms, and improve skin health.
Whether you're looking to clarify your psoriasis or re-evaluate your routine, now is the perfect time to contact our team at Dermatology Partners. Our specialists are ready to help you find the right treatment plan—because with expert care, clearer skin is entirely achievable. Call us at (888) 818-DERM or schedule your appointment online today.
