There are various treatments available for Psoriasis. They range from phototherapy and coal tar to corticosteroids and TNF inhibitors. These treatments are effective in controlling symptoms and reducing skin thinning. However, they do not cure the underlying disease and are only a temporary solution.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is a topical treatment for Psoriasis that can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. It can help alleviate symptoms, but it is important to consider other treatments first. For example, topical steroids and vitamin D therapy are generally more effective. Nevertheless, this treatment is viable and can be used for extended periods.
There are some potential side effects to using coal tar, but they are usually minor. The tar can stain clothes and cause a slight stinging sensation. Also, it may discolor light hair temporarily. The tar can also make you photosensitive, so you should avoid exposure to sunlight when using it.
Phototherapy
Although many people think phototherapy is a miracle cure for Psoriasis, there are some vital side effects and risks associated with this treatment. The best way to ensure the safety of phototherapy is to consult with a dermatologist before starting a course of treatment. Also, patients should avoid sunlight if they are pregnant or have a history of heart disease or skin cancer.
Phototherapy is a treatment option for people with mild to moderate Psoriasis. It can be an effective way to treat the disease without the risks and side effects of systemic medications. In addition, it targets the immune system and can produce long-term results with only a few treatments.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a popular topical treatment for Psoriasis and are available in various strengths. Some are mild and can be purchased without a prescription, while others require a doctor’s prescription. They effectively reduce inflammation, inhibit the immune response, and treat thick patches of Psoriasis. Therefore, it is crucial to get a dermatologist’s recommendation before using corticosteroids and to use them sparingly.
Another standard treatment for Psoriasis involves systemic therapies. These include immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents. You can use these drugs alone or with other medicines to treat Psoriasis. In addition to systemic therapies, retinoids are commonly used for Psoriasis. These drugs improve the production of skin cells and inhibit the growth of the disease.
TNF Inhibitors
TNF inhibitors are a type of biological agent used to treat Psoriasis. These drugs act by inhibiting the production of TNF, a protein involved in the production of the inflammatory response. In addition to their anti-inflammatory activity, these drugs also improve the appearance of the disease.
Several studies have shown that TNF inhibitors can effectively treat Psoriasis. These agents are associated with significant remission and decreased disease activity in patients with Psoriasis. These studies have also shown that the drugs are well tolerated. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these drugs in Psoriasis.
Although anti-TNF agents are an essential part of the armamentarium for moderate-severe Psoriasis, access remains a challenge in developed countries. Biosimilars offer an opportunity to address these challenges by making these agents more affordable and available to more patients. Once open, these drugs may redefine the standard of care in Psoriasis.
Vitamin D Analogue Creams
Vitamin D analogs are a relatively safe option for patients who have Psoriasis. However, the use of these medications should be carefully monitored because there are many potential interactions with other drugs. For this reason, it is vital to talk to your doctor about any possible interactions and to ensure that you’re getting the correct dosage.
Many studies have shown that topical Vitamin D analogs effectively treat localized Psoriasis. Both monotherapy and combination therapy have shown efficacy. The most recent topical formulation to enter the market is calcitriol.
