Does anyone know any good treatments for psoriasis?

Question

I have had psoriasis for 13 years now infact i got it the day after the birth of my first daughter! It has never ever gone away even after using many different treatments from the doctors! Can anyone advise on any good treatments...

Answer 1

There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Because of this, dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to finding the most appropriate treatment for their patient. The decision to employ a particular treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and severity. The patient’s age, gender, quality of life, comorbidities, and attitude toward risks associated with the treatment are also taken into consideration.

Medications with the least potential for adverse reactions are preferentially employed. If the treatment goal is not achieved then therapies with greater potential toxicity may be used. Medications with significant toxicity are reserved for severe unresponsive psoriasis. This is called the psoriasis treatment ladder.[6] As a first step, medicated ointments or creams are applied to the skin. This is called topical treatment. If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step would be to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of treatment is called phototherapy. The third step involves the use of medications which are ingested orally or by injection. This approach is called systemic treatment.

Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing (tachyphylaxis) and to reduce the chance of adverse reactions occurring. This is called treatment rotation.


[edit] Topical treatment
Bath solutions and moisturizers help sooth affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriasis plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly onto psoriasis plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are routinely used. The mechanism of action of each is probably different but they all help to normalise skin cell production and reduce inflammation.

The disadvantages of topical agents are variabily that they can often irritate normal skin, can be awkward to apply, cannot be used for long periods, can stain clothing or have a strong odour. As a result, it is sometimes difficult for people to maintain the regular application of these medications. Abrupt withdrawal of some topical agents, particularly corticosteroids, can cause an aggressive recurrance of the condition. This is known as a rebound of the condition. Topical lotions and creams that contain fragrances should be avoided as they will sting when applied.

Some topical agents are used in conjunction with other therapies, especially phototherapy.


[edit] Phototherapy
It has long been recognised that daily, short, nonburning exposure to sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis. Niels Finsen was the first physician to investigate the theraputic effects of sunlight scientifically and to use sunlight in clinical practice. This became known as phototherapy.

Sunlight contains many different wavelengths of light. It was during the early part of the 20th century that it was recognised that for psoriasis the therapeutic property of sunlight was due to the wavelengths classified as ultraviolet (UV) light.

Ultraviolet wavelengths are subdivided into UVA (380–315 nm), UVB (315–280 nm), and UVC (< 280 nm). Ultraviolet B (UVB) (315–280 nm) is absorbed by the epidermis and has a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Narrowband UVB (311 to 312 nm), is that part of the UVB spectrum that is most helpful for psoriasis. Exposure to UVB several times per week, over several weeks can help people attain a remission from psoriasis.

Ultraviolet light treatment is frequently combined with topical (coal tar, calcipotriol) or systemic treatment (retinoids) as there is a synergy in their combination. The Ingram regime, involves UVB and the application of anthralin paste. The Goeckerman regime combines coal tar ointment with UVB.


[edit] Photochemotherapy
Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA) combines the oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Precisely how PUVA works is not known. The mechanism of action probably involves activation of psoralen by UVA light which inhibits the abnormally rapid production of the cells in psoriatic skin. There are multiple mechanisms of action associated with PUVA, including effects on the skin immune system.

Dark glasses must be worn during PUVA treatment because there is a risk of cataracts developing from exposure to sunlight. PUVA is associated with nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with squamous-cell and melanoma skin cancers.


[edit] Systemic treatment
Psoriasis which is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. This is called systemic treatment. Patients undergoing systemic treatment are required to have regular blood and liver function tests because of the toxicity of the medication. Pregnancy must be avoided for the majority of these treatments. Most people experience a recurrence of psoriasis after systemic treatment is discontinued.

The three main traditional systemic treatments are the immunosupressant drugs methotrexate and ciclosporin, and retinoids, which are synthetic forms of vitamin A. Other additional drugs, not specifically licensed for psoriasis, have been found to be effective. These include the antimetabolite tioguanine, the cytotoxic agent hydroxyurea, sulfasalazine, the immunosupressants mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and oral tacrolimus. These have all been used effectively to treat psoriasis when other treatments have failed. Although not licensed in many other countries fumaric acid esters have also been used to treat severe psoriasis in Germany for over 20 years.

Biologics are manufactured proteins that interrupt the immune process involved in psoriasis. Unlike generalised immunosuppressant therapies such as methotrexate, biologics focus on specific aspects of the immune function leading to psoriasis. These drugs are relatively new, and their long-term impact on immune function is unknown. They are very expensive and only suitable for very few patients with psoriasis.


[edit] Alternative Therapy
Antibiotics are not indicated in routine treatment of psoriasis. However, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as that caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, triggers an outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
Climatotherapy involves the notion that some diseases can be successfully treated by living in particular climate. Several psoriasis clinics are located throughout the world based on this idea. The Dead Sea is one of the most popular locations for this type of treatment.
In Turkey, doctor fish which live in the outdoor pools of spas, are encouraged to feed on the psoriatic skin of people with psoriasis. The fish only consume the affected areas of the skin. The outdoor location of the spa may also have a beneficial effect. This treatment can provide temporary relief of symptoms. A revisit to the spas every few months is often required.
Some people subscribe to the view that psoriasis can be effectively managed through a healthy lifestyle. This view is based on anecdote, and has not been subjected to formal scientific evaluation. Nevertheless, some people report that minimizing stress and consuming a healthy diet, combined with rest, sunshine and swimming in saltwater keep lesions to a minimum. This type of "lifestyle" treatment is suggested as a long-term management strategy, rather than an initial treatment of severe psoriasis.
Some psoriasis patients use herbology as a holistic approach that aims to treat the underlying causes of psoriasis.
A psychological symptom management programme has been reported as being a helpful adjunct to traditional therapies in the management of psoriasis. [4]
It is possible that Epsom salt may have a positive effect in reducing the effects of psoriasis.

[edit] Historical Treatment
The history of psoriasis is littered with treatments of dubious effectiveness and high toxicity. These treatments received brief popularity at particular time periods or within certain geographical regions. The application of cat faeces to red lesions on the skin, for example, was one of the earliest topical treatments employed in ancient Egypt. Onions, sea salt and urine, goose oil and semen, wasp droppings in sycamore milk, and soup made from vipers have all been reported as being ancient treatments.

In the more recent past Fowler's solution, which contains a poisonous and carcinogenic arsenic compound, was used by dermatologists as a treatment for psoriasis during the 18th and 19th centuries. Grenz Rays (also called ultrasoft X-rays or Bucky rays) was a popular treatment of psoriasis during the middle of the 20th century. This type of therapy was superseded by ultraviolet therapy.

All these treatments have fallen out of favour.


[edit] Future drug development
Historically, agents used to treat psoriasis were discovered by experimentation or by accident. In contrast, current novel therapeutic agents are designed from a better understanding of the immune processes involved in psoriasis and by the specific targeting of molecular mediators. Examples can be seen in the use of biologics which target T cells and TNF inhibitors. Future innovation should see the creation of additional drugs that refine the targeting of immune-mediators further.[7]

Research into antisense oligonucleotides is in its infancy but carries the potential to provide novel theraputic strategies for treating psoriasis

Answer 2

I understand where you are coming from. I have had psoriasis for about 12 years. I too have been recommended many treatments from various doctors. First, you need to know that psoriasis is not curable, only treatable. Odd are, you will never get completely rid of it. However, there things that can lessen the signs of it and physical symptoms. First, find a GOOD dermatologist in your area (typically, the best are connected to Med Schools, so if there is a great Med School close to you, look there). You and the doctor can go over the best treatment for you based on the severity and impact psoriasis has on your life. Some of the most popular treatments include: Steriod Ointments (you would generously apply the ointment, then wrap it up with saran wrap while you sleep), UV Light Treatments (not the same as going to a tanning bed), and Shot Therapy (there are many different kinds out there, these typically are for those with very severe cases, but it depends on a lot of variables). Hope this helps, I know how hard it is to live with it. Another thing, as you probably already know, make sure you keep your skin moisturized as much as possible, especially during the winter.

Answer 3

I had a 13 year history of psoriasis, though I was in good health otherwise. But these severe large, thick and scaly excoriated plaques on my neck, ears, trunk and limbs ruined the way I was leading my life. I would be with red, inflamed itchy skin for most part of the year and these silvery scales would seem to be erupting without any reason. To make matters worse, blisters would appear over already red and itching skin. It was living hell.

I was treated with various options but nothing seemed to be working. Some of the treatments that I underwent in this depressing period of 13 years included tar preparation, tropical steroids and anthralin. I was also given light therapy many times but everything I tried would give me temporary relief.

And soon, after a few days I would be plagued with the situation again. In one of those moments when I was completely lost I stumbled upon this website just by chance. I read it and felt that as if someone had put the story my life on this web page. I was thoroughly convinced that if ANYONE can cure me of condition, it would be you.

And was I right, or what. I started recovering within 3 days of starting this treatment. Something that had become a painful part of me for 13 years was actually getting healed! My ears are healed and my neck is smooth again!. I am a month into the treatment and I have never felt better in my life!

Psoriasis Revolution?

Answer 4

Psoriasis is a disease that takes place when the body’s immune system mistakenly believes healthy skin cells to be enemy cells and starts to produce many more new cells to replace these cells. This is the reason why there is no cure for psoriasis and medications applied to treat psoriasis are only able to remove the symptoms temporarily. Don't go the "cream route", it's only just a waste of time and money. Been there Done that!

You need to read "Psoriasis Free For Life" by Katy Wilson if you want to cure your psoriasis for good. Available online also @ http://www.psoriasisforeverfree.com It's a book that shows you how to cure psoriasis naturally in a few days. I cured my psoriasis permanently in 6 days after reading this book. Good luck!

Answer 5

RE: Does anyone know any good treatments for psoriasis?
I have had psoriasis for 13 years now infact i got it the day after the birth of my first daughter! It has never ever gone away even after using many different treatments from the doctors! Can anyone advise on any good treatments...

Answer 6

Cure Psoriasis Easily Naturally Forever - http://Psoriasis.neatprim.com

Answer 7

Cure psoriasis starting today - even if your doctor or dermatologist says "it's impossible!"
I've just followed a guide called psoriasis free for life that completely cured me of this debilitating and embarrassing disease in less than a month!
Remember, this will not only treat the symptoms that you do see:
the red, inflamed itchy skin.
The silvery scales that seem to erupt for no reason.
The burning or bleeding that occurs around your joints.
The cracking, oozing and painful patches on your skin.
But it also treats the underlying cause of psoriasis - the part you don't see - the actual immune system deficiency that causes these itchy patches to appear and scale over.
For more information, check here : http://Psoriasis.naturallysaver.com .
You can definitely get back your life, your confidence and your self esteem!

Answer 8

Answers:
omega 3-6-9 in capsule form will help with all skin conditions from psoriasis to eczema. You can find them at any Health food store..after opening they need to be refrigerated or else they will go rancid.Take 2 with each meal..you can never take too much so don't worry

Other Answers:
Im not sure of any that really work, but If you go to http://www.psoriasis.org/home/ someone there may know something. Hydro cortisone creams are useful.
Tar baths are another treatment.
Some people respond to certain types of UV light. buy two homoeo remedies; sul 200 pills- 2drams and psor 1m-
2drams . chew 4 pills of sul200 half an hour after food on the first day of a week. on the fourth day of the week chew 4 tablets of psor 1m half hour after food. see which suits your skin. continue the one which suits .one dose a week for six months. Different things work for different people -- or even for the same person at different times. There are a number of steroid creams and ointments that vary from mild to strong. Dovonex is a non-steroid ointment that works via a different mechanism. Tar shampoo and skin treatments can help. UV light (or simple sunlight) can help; there is a special treatment called PUVA that combines a medication with UV light to enhance its effect.

For more severe forms of psoriasis there are powerful medicines like methotrexate and newer ones like Enbrel. A dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis can advise you.

For milder cases of psoriasis, keeping the lesions moisturized with plain lotion or baby oil can help a lot. And some people find that red meat and alcohol (and stress) make their psoriasis worse, so they avoid these when possible. Good luck! Yes, see a Health Kinesiologist! There are many different causes of psoriasis, and they can figure out exactly what you need to do to eliminate yours. For instance, for psoriasis, you may need to detox your liver, which can help your skin. HK can do that very very gently. HK is based on acupressure, no needles, extremely effective! I saw a HKist to get rid of my allergies, and they are just GONE. Only took a couple of appointments. It's very reasonably priced for the results, too. To find a practitioner near you, go here: http://www.subtlenergy.com/training/locate_practitoner.htm

Answer 9

You don't have to put up with the symptoms of psoriasis. You can live a healthy, happy life. Be psoriasis-free e-book by Cheryl Backinson will show you exactly what you can do to get rid of psoriasis. http://getridyourpsoriasis.com/

Answer 10

I found that the book "Healing Psoriasis the natural way" by Dr.John Pagano was the best method for me, its a strict diet but I lost loads of weight too which cheered me up, its not easy to stick to but it does work and as the results come so does the motivation to continue.

For scalp psoriasis I found that dying my hair was the best way as the hydrogen peroxide seals the skin and stopped the proriasis. Good Luck !

Answer 11

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