Treatments for Psoriasis

Treatment of psoriasis is usually a series of steps, called the 1-2-3 approach, which entails:

Step 1—Topical: Sunlight or medication applied directly to the surface of the skin

Step 2—Phototherapy: Phototherapy (or “light treatment”) using ultraviolet light alone or in combination with medication

Step 3—Systemic: Medicines taken internally (usually oral medication) to treat psoriasis systemically

Your treatment will be based on several factors, including:

The severity of the disease
The extent and location of the areas involved
Your responsiveness to each treatment
What type of psoriasis you have
Possible concomitant presence of psoriatic arthritis

Often, the body will become resistant to certain types of treatment, and they will lose their effectiveness. When this happens, new treatment methods may be prescribed, and future treatments may be added as needed.

Treatment involves the following:

Medications Other treatments Alternative and complementary therapies

Surgical procedures are not a treatment option for psoriasis.

References

American Academy of Dermatology web site. Available at: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet/index.html.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

National Psoriasis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Purvee S. Shah, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.