Psoriasis Treatments: How To Get Rid of Psoriasis

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There’s no cure for Light therapy can slow down fast-growing skin cells in people who have Methotrexate. This is only for people with serious symptoms. It can raise your odds of liver disease and lung or kidney problems. Your doctor will give you lab tests every so often to make sure your organs are healthy.

. This is used most for serious psoriasis. It can cause high blood pressure or kidney problems. You may notice some skin sensitivity or muscle and joint pain.

Enzyme inhibitor. A newer drug called apremilast can target and slow down inflammation in certain immune cells. It’s a pill you take twice a day. It’s generally considered safe. But tell your doctor if you have any mood changes. It can raise your chance of depression or suicidal thoughts.

Oral retinoids. is a synthetic form of vitamin A. You take it by mouth. Experts aren’t sure why it helps with psoriasis. They think it’s because retinoids affect how fast skin cells grow.

Oral retinoids are often used to treat pustular psoriasis. But they can cause unwanted side effects, including hair loss and liver or bone problems. Your doctor may lower your dose once your symptoms get better.

It’s not safe to take acitretin if you’re allergic to retinoids. Oral retinoids can also lead to birth defects. Don’t take these drugs if:

  • You’re pregnant, want to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You have serious liver or kidney disease.
  • You have high triglycerides.

Systemic Biologic Treatments

These are newer drugs made from living material. Biologics are divided into groups: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and IL-12 inhibitors. Each type targets specific immune cells or proteins that cause psoriasis. Unlike immunosuppressants, they don’t affect your whole immune system.

You’ll likely get this treatment through a shot or IV infusion.

Biologics work best for moderate to serious psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. But they can be expensive. These drugs are generally considered safe. But more research is needed on their long-term effects. Your doctor will help you decide if they’re right for you.

Biologics used to treat psoriasis include:

Natural Psoriasis Treatments

Lots of people try herbs, vitamins, or other at-home remedies to ease symptoms. Just remember what works for someone else might not work for you. It’s best to talk to your doctor before you change or add something to your treatment plan. They’ll let you know what’s safe.

Here are some commonly used natural psoriasis treatments:

Salt bath. This might lift some of your scales and help you itch less. Add Dead Sea or to warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Apply moisturizer after your bath so your skin doesn’t get too dry.

Colloidal oatmeal. Some people say their skin is less red and itchy when they soak in an oatmeal bath or apply a paste to their skin. There’s not much evidence to show it treats psoriasis.

Aloe vera. A cream with 0.5% aloe might lessen your scales and ease redness for a short time. You can use it up to three times a day.

. This is sometimes used to ease itching from scalp psoriasis. You can use it a few times a week. Make sure you mix equal parts vinegar and water. Otherwise, the vinegar can burn your skin. Avoid any open wounds.

Healthy diet. There’s no meal plan specifically for psoriasis. But if you’re overweight or obese, your symptoms might get better if you lose excess weight. Experts think that’s because certain cells, such as the ones in your belly, worsen inflammation. That makes it harder for the immune cells in your skin and body to work the right way.

Keep your doctor in the loop about your condition. They may need to update your care plan over time. That might mean switching to a different topical drug or trying a mix of psoriasis treatments.