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Psoriasis Treatment
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Effective psoriasis treatments to manage symptoms and minimize flare-ups
Buy Psoriasis Treatment Online.
At Online Chemist, we provide a variety of effective psoriasis treatments to help alleviate symptoms and improve skin health. Our selection includes calming emollients and targeted corticosteroids designed to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation. With a seamless online ordering process, you can conveniently access the care you need from home. Buy psoriasis treatment online today for fast, dependable service and expert-approved solutions to restore your skin.
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What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin condition that causes red, scaly patches, known as plaques, to form on the skin. These plaques are often itchy and can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In some cases, psoriasis can also affect the nails and joints.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Psoriasis affects both men and women and can start at any age, including childhood. However, it most commonly begins between the ages of 15–25 and 50–60. About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition, suggesting a genetic link.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated genetic skin disease. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell production and the formation of plaques. Factors such as stress, skin injuries, certain medications, and infections can trigger or worsen psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis
Here’s a simple overview of the types of psoriasis to help you understand:
1. Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
- Most Common Type: Around 90% of people with psoriasis have this form.
- What It Looks Like: Red patches with silvery-white scales, often itchy and sometimes painful.
- Where It Appears: Common on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
2. Guttate Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: Small, red, drop-shaped spots.
- Who Gets It: Often starts in childhood or early adulthood.
- Triggers: Frequently follows infections like strep throat.
3. Scalp Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: Red patches with thick, scaly buildup.
- Symptoms: Can cause flaking similar to dandruff, itching, and discomfort.
- Where It Appears: Affects the scalp but may extend to the forehead, ears, and neck.
4. Flexural (Inverse) Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: Smooth, red patches without the usual scaling.
- Where It Appears: Found in skin folds like the armpits, under the breasts, around the groin, or between the buttocks.
- Triggers: Can worsen due to sweating or friction.
5. Pustular Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: White or yellow pustules (blisters filled with non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin.
- Types: It can be localized (e.g., on hands and feet) or widespread (generalized pustular psoriasis, which is rare and severe).
6. Nail Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: Causes changes in the nails, such as pitting, discoloration, thickening, or separation from the nail bed.
- Who Gets It: Common in people with other types of psoriasis, especially psoriatic arthritis.
7. Psoriatic Arthritis
- What It Is: A form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis.
- Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, along with skin symptoms.
- Importance: Early treatment is crucial to prevent joint damage.
8. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
- What It Looks Like: Intense redness covering large areas of the body, often with peeling skin.
- Symptoms: Can cause severe itching, pain, and body temperature irregularities.
- Severity: This is a rare but serious type that requires immediate medical attention
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Factors that aggravate psoriasis
Several factors can aggravate psoriasis or trigger flare-ups. These vary from person to person, but some common aggravating factors include:
- Stress – Psychological stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Stress can increase inflammation in the body, worsening the symptoms.
- Infections – Bacterial and viral infections, such as strep throat or upper respiratory infections, are common triggers, particularly for guttate psoriasis. Skin infections or fungal infections can also exacerbate psoriasis.
- Skin Trauma (Koebner Phenomenon) – Psoriasis lesions can develop at the site of skin injuries, such as cuts, burns, scrapes, or insect bites. Surgical wounds and even tattoos can also trigger psoriasis in susceptible individuals.
- Weather – Cold, dry weather tends to worsen psoriasis due to reduced humidity, leading to skin dryness and irritation. Hot, humid climates may improve symptoms for some but can worsen others due to sweating and skin irritation.
- Medications – Certain medications can trigger or worsen psoriasis:
- Beta-blockers (for high blood pressure).
- Lithium (used for mood disorders).
- Antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine).
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Corticosteroid withdrawal: Sudden discontinuation of systemic steroids can cause severe flares (rebound psoriasis).
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of treatments. It may also increase the risk of comorbidities like liver disease in psoriasis patients.
- Smoking – Smoking is strongly associated with the onset and worsening of psoriasis, particularly palmoplantar pustular psoriasis. It may also interfere with treatment outcomes.
- Obesity – Being overweight can worsen psoriasis, as fat cells promote inflammation. Psoriasis lesions may also develop in skin folds, increasing irritation and discomfort.
- Hormonal Changes – Psoriasis symptoms may worsen during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as: Puberty, Pregnancy (symptoms may improve or worsen), and Menopause.
- Allergies – Certain allergies, including food, environmental, or drug allergies, may act as triggers for psoriasis flare-ups in some individuals.
- Diet – While no specific diet universally aggravates psoriasis, certain foods may worsen inflammation in some people, including: Processed or sugary foods, Dairy products, Red meat or saturated fats.
- Sun Exposure – While sunlight often helps alleviate psoriasis symptoms, excessive sun exposure or sunburn can trigger flares.
- Inadequate Skin Care – Harsh soaps, fragrances, or irritants in skin products can exacerbate psoriasis. Lack of moisturising can lead to dry, cracked skin, and worsening symptoms.
- Inflammation or Comorbidities – Conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or other autoimmune diseases can amplify psoriasis symptoms due to shared inflammatory pathways.
- Lack of Adherence to Treatment – Skipping treatments, using them irregularly, or stopping medications prematurely can lead to flares or worsening of symptoms.
Managing Aggravating Factors
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques, yoga, or counselling.
- Infection Prevention: Treat infections promptly.
- Protect Skin: Avoid injuries, use sunscreen, and moisturize regularly.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Review Medications: Discuss alternatives with your doctor if current medications worsen symptoms.
Understanding and avoiding triggers can significantly improve psoriasis management and reduce flare-ups.
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Treatment of psoriasis
The treatment of psoriasis aims to control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve the patient’s quality of life. While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments are tailored based on the type, severity, and location of psoriasis, as well as individual patient factors.
Here’s an overview of treatment options:
1. Topical Treatments
Best for mild to moderate psoriasis or as adjunctive therapy for severe cases.
a. Corticosteroids
- Reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.
- Forms: Creams, ointments, lotions, foams.
- Examples: Hydrocortisone (mild), betamethasone (stronger options).
- Usage: Short-term to prevent side effects like skin thinning.
b. Vitamin D Analogues
- Slow skin cell production and reduce scaling.
- Examples: Calcipotriol (calcipotriene), calcitriol.
- Often used in combination with corticosteroids.
c. Coal Tar
- Reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation.
- Available in creams, ointments, and shampoos.
- Can stain clothing and has a strong odor.
d. Salicylic Acid
- Helps shed scales by softening the skin.
- Often combined with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness.
e. Calcineurin Inhibitors
- Reduce inflammation without causing skin thinning.
- Examples: Tacrolimus, pimecrolimus.
- Particularly useful for sensitive areas like the face and folds.
2. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Effective for moderate to severe psoriasis, especially when topical treatments fail.
a. Narrowband UVB – The most common and effective phototherapy. Reduces inflammation and slows skin cell turnover.
b. PUVA (Psoralen + UVA) – Combines UVA light with psoralen (a photosensitizing agent). Used for more resistant cases but may increase the risk of skin aging and cancer.
c. Excimer Laser – Targets specific areas with high-dose UVB light. Useful for localized plaques on areas like the scalp or hands.
3. Systemic Treatments
Used for moderate to severe psoriasis or when other treatments fail.
a. Oral Medications
- Methotrexate: Reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Requires monitoring for liver and blood count issues.
- Ciclosporin: Powerful immunosuppressant for rapid symptom control. Short-term use due to potential kidney toxicity.
- Acitretin: A retinoid (Vitamin A derivative) that slows skin cell production. Not suitable for women planning pregnancy.
b. Biologic Therapies – Target specific parts of the immune system, such as cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-17, and IL-23. Administered via injection or infusion. Highly effective for severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
c. Small Molecule Drugs – Apremilast: A PDE4 inhibitor taken orally to reduce inflammation. Fewer side effects compared to biologics.
4. Combination Therapy
Combines multiple treatment modalities (e.g., topical + phototherapy or systemic + biologics). Helps maximise effectiveness and minimise side effects.
5. Lifestyle and Supportive Measures
- Moisturisers: Prevent dryness and reduce irritation.
- Dietary Changes: Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish or flaxseed) may help reduce inflammation. Some people find benefits in avoiding triggers like gluten, dairy, or processed foods.
- Supplements: Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce inflammation. Vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics are also commonly used, though evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
- Stress Reduction: Stress is a known psoriasis trigger, so practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help manage flare-ups.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal creams and ointments containing mahonia, capsaicin, or indigo naturalis have shown some potential in soothing symptoms.
- Light Therapy (Natural): Controlled exposure to sunlight can help reduce psoriasis symptoms for some individuals. However, overexposure may worsen the condition.
Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall health and potentially reduce psoriasis severity.
6. Treatment by Type
- Scalp Psoriasis: Medicated shampoos (coal tar, salicylic acid), topical steroids, vitamin D analogs.
- Flexural Psoriasis: Mild steroids or calcineurin inhibitors.
- Nail Psoriasis: Intralesional steroids, systemic treatments for severe cases.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Biologics, DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate).
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor treatment response and side effects.
- Adjustments may be needed based on symptom severity, patient preferences, and comorbidities.
More Information
- Psoriasis: DermNet
- Psoriasis: chronic plaque psoriasis
- Psoriasis: psoriatic arthritis
- Psoriasis: guttate psoriasis
- Psoriasis: nail psoriasis
- Psoriasis: scalp psoriasis
- Psoriasis: facial psoriasis
- Psoriasis: flexural and genital psoriasis
- Psoriasis: hyperkeratotic hand / foot psoriasis
- Psoriasis: palmoplantar pustulosis
- Psoriasis: generalised pustular psoriasis (syn. von Zumbusch psoriasis)
- Psoriasis: erythrodermic psoriasis
- Psoriasis: childhood psoriasis
Take Control of Your Psoriasis Today!
Struggling with psoriasis?
Let us help you find relief with expert advice and personalised treatment
plans—all from the comfort of your home.
✅ Consult with Online Specialists
✅ Tailored Treatments for Your Needs
✅ Delivered Right to Your Door