Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment – eMedicineHealth

Psoriasis (cont.) Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that may worsen and improve in cycles. Any approach to the treatment of this disease must be considered for the long term. Treatment regimens must be individualized according to age, sex, occupation, personal motivation, other health conditions, and available resources. Disease severity is defined not only by the number and extent of plaques present but also by the patient's perception and acceptance of the disease. Treatment must be designed with the patient's specific expectations in mind, rather than focusing only on the extent of body surface area involved.

Many treatments exist for psoriasis. However, the construction of an effective therapeutic regimen is not necessarily complicated.

There are three basic types of treatments for psoriasis: (1) topical therapy (drugs used on the skin), (2) phototherapy (light therapy), and (3) systemic therapy (drugs taken into the body). All of these treatments may be used alone or in combination.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 11/30/2015

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