Treatments for Psoriasis

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Treatment of psoriasis is usually a series of steps, called the 1-2-3 approach, which may be added to each other, and entail:

Step 1—Topical: Medication applied directly to the surface of the skin

Step 2—Phototherapy: Phototherapy (light treatment) using ultraviolet light or sunlight alone or in combination with medication if medication alone does not improve symptoms

Step 3—Systemic: Medications taken internally (usually oral medication) to treat psoriasis systemically if topical medications and/or phototherapy do not improve symptoms

Your treatment will be based on several factors, including:

The severity of the disease
The extent and location of the areas involved
Your responsiveness to each treatment
What type of psoriasis you have
Your preference
Possible concomitant presence of psoriatic arthritis

Often, the body will become resistant to certain types of treatment, and they will lose their effectiveness. When this happens, new treatment methods may be prescribed, and future treatments may be added as needed.

Treatment involves the following:

Medications Other treatments Alternative and complementary therapies

Surgical procedures are not a treatment option for psoriasis.

References

Psoriasis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116742/Psoriasis . Updated December 4, 2017. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin diseases. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis. Updated March 3, 2017. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Psoriatic disease. National Psoriasis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.psoriasis.org/home. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods MD, FAAP
Review Date: 11/2018
Update Date: 12/20/2014

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.