Health Tips

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, long-term skin disease. There are namely five categories of psoriasis:

• Plaque, which surfaces as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale.
• Guttate, this appears as small red spots on the skin.
• Inverse, which occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds.
• Pustular, which develops as white blisters surrounded by red skin.
• Erythrodermic, which appears as intense redness over large areas.

Though at present there is no cure for psoriasis. Yet, there are few treatments which are devised to lessen the symptoms and signs of Psoriasis such as:

• Topical treatment
• Phototherapy
• Systemic medication
• Alternatives approaches, diet and climate

Topical treatments are by and large the first line of defense in treating psoriasis.

Soriatane is the only medication which can treat all five types of severe psoriasis namely plaque, guttate, pustular, palmar-plantar, and erythrodermic. It works by targeting certain receptors in the skin which are responsible for normalizing the growth cycle of skin cells. This process, in turn can facilitate treatment of psoriasis.

Tazorac is used to treat psoriasis as well as acne. It is available in the form of gel and cream which should be consumed in adherence to medical supervision. Usage of Tazorac should be refrained by women with child bearing potential, expectant women, and nursing mothers.

Phototherapy (UVB, PUVA and lasers) engages exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical care.

Systemic are prescription medications that influence the entire body, and are usually set aside for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics, which are agents, such as vaccines, giving immunity, are another type of systemic medication.

Alternatives approaches are basically nontraditional ways, including dietary supplements and sunlight, acupuncture, herbal remedies, meditation, magnets.

Sunlight and water are natural therapies that can help you to improve psoriasis. Balneotherapy, denotes therapeutic thermal baths involving natural thermal springs, hot springs, mineral water or seawater. Climatotherapy, is a blend of natural sunlight and water, such as the ocean or other bodies of water, to treat psoriasis.

It is recommended that before embarking upon any treatment for psoriasis, consult your doctor. Make sure your doctor is well-aware of any natural or herbal product you may be engaged in, to avoid contraindication with prescription medications. Infants, children, pregnant women or the elderly should avoid use of these treatments.