Psoriasis Treatment
At our top Worcester dermatology practice, our doctors deliver psoriasis treatments in a comfortable, convenient setting.
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Types of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)
About 80% of all psoriasis sufferers get this form of the disease. Typically, it is found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It appears as inflamed, red lesions covered by silvery-white scales.
Guttate Psoriasis
This form of psoriasis appears as small red dot-like spots, usually on the trunk or limbs. Most frequently, it occurs among children and young adults. Guttate psoriasis comes on suddenly. Often times, it is a response to some other health problem or environmental trigger. For example, strep throat, tonsillitis, stress or injury to the skin could cause this form of psoriasis.
Inverse Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis appears as bright red lesions that are smooth and shiny. Typically, it is found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and in skin folds around the genitals and buttocks.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis looks like white blisters filled with pus surrounded by red skin. It can appear in a limited area of the skin or all over the body. The pus is made up of white blood cells and is not infectious. Triggers for pustular psoriasis include overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, irritating topical treatments, stress, infections and sudden withdrawal from systemic (treating the whole body) medications.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
One of the most inflamed forms of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis looks like fiery, red skin covering large areas of the body. Instead of shedding in flakes, it sheds in white sheets. This form of psoriasis is usually very itchy and may cause some pain. Triggers for erythrodermic psoriasis include severe sunburn, infection, pneumonia, medications or abrupt withdrawal of systemic psoriasis treatment.
Treatments for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is classified as mild to moderate when it covers 3% to 10%. When it covers more than 10% of the body, it is considered moderate to severe . The severity of the disease impacts the choice of treatments.
Mild to moderate psoriasis can generally be treated at home using a combination of three key strategies: over-the-counter medications, prescription topical treatments and light therapy/phototherapy.
Treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include prescription medications, biologics, and light therapy/phototherapy also known as UVB treatment.
Over-the-Counter Medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved of two active ingredients for the treatment of psoriasis: salicylic acid and coal tar. Salicyclic acid works by causing the outer layer to shed. Meanwhile, coal tar slows the rapid growth of cells. Other over-the-counter treatments include:
- Scale lifters that help loosen and remove scales so that medicine can reach the lesions.
- Bath solutions, like oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts that remove scaling and relieve itching.
- Occlusion, in which areas where topical treatments have been applied are covered to improve absorption and effectiveness.
- Anti-itch preparations, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams.
- Moisturizers designed to keep the skin lubricated, reduce redness and itchiness and promote healing.
Prescription Topical Treatments
Prescription topicals focus on slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing any inflammation. They include:
- Anthralin, used to reduce the growth of skin cells associated with plaque.
- Calcipotriene, that slows cell growth, flattens lesions and removes scales. It is also used to treat psoriasis of the scalp and nails.
- Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate. In addition to slowing down cell growth, flattening lesions and removing scales, this treatment helps reduce the itch and inflammation associated with psoriasis.
- Calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D3 that helps control excessive skin cell production.
- Tazarotene, a topical retinoid used to slow cell growth.
- Topical steroids, the most commonly prescribed medication for treating psoriasis. Topical steroids fight inflammation and reduce the swelling and redness of lesions.
Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
Controlled exposure of skin to ultraviolet light has been a successful treatment for some forms of psoriasis. Three primary light sources are used:
- Sunshine (both UVA and UVB rays). Sunshine can help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, but must be used with careful monitoring to ensure that no other skin damage takes place. It is advised that exposure to sunshine be in controlled, short bursts.
- Excimer lasers. These devices are used to target specific areas of psoriasis. The laser emits a high-intensity beam of UVB directly onto the psoriasis plaque. Generally, it takes between 4 and 10 treatments to see a tangible improvement.
- Pulse dye lasers. Similar to the excimer laser, a pulse dye laser uses a different wavelength of UVB light. In addition to treating smaller areas of psoriasis, it destroys the blood vessels that contribute to the formation of lesions. Generally, it takes about 4 to 6 sessions to clear up a small area with a lesion.