At Westerville Dermatology, we employ many different treatments for psoriasis. This is because there are many different forms, and different patients respond in different ways. We begin treatment with the mildest, least aggressive treatments, progressing to stronger options as needed. The goal is to slow the cell production and buildup, as well as to mitigate the troublesome psoriasis symptoms. Here are the many options we may use:
Topical Treatments – For patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, the use of creams and ointments may be all that is necessary. We typically use one or a combination of the following: corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogs, Anthralin, topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, or coal tar.
Light Therapy – For patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Light therapy includes sunlight, UVB or UVA light, Goeckerman therapy (combination of UVB treatment and coal tar), Psoralen plus UVA, or the Excimer laser.
Oral and Injected Medications – Use of prescription oral or injected medications is known as systemic treatment and they’re typically only used in short periods. Our oral and injected medications include retinoids, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, and injected immune system drugs.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations – Although there isn’t any research showing across the board effectiveness, for some patients changes in diet or taking certain supplements may help. Aloe vera and barberry can be used topically, while fish oil is taken orally.
For more information on how our board-certified dermatologists treat psoriasis at Westerville Dermatology, please contact us today. We’re here to help you find relief from your irritating psoriasis symptoms!