The Many Different Psoriasis Treatments
There are four types of psoriasis and many different treatment plans for those who suffer from this skin disease. Treatment is individualized based on type, severity (mild, moderate, severe) and duration. The various treatment methods include Alternative approaches, diet, environmental management (sun and water therapy), oral medications, steroids, systemic medications, and also topical medications.
The diagnostic and treatment plan part of the disease is guided by your doctor or dermatologist. The patient is an important element to successful management of the disease. It is the patient that must understand what triggers psoriasis for them, and how to avoid if all possible those triggers. They also need to be able to recognize the early signs of psoriasis so that they can begin prompt treatment. Notifying the doctor or dermatologist immediately when treatment is not working or when the condition worsens is a very important aspect of successful disease management.
There are many available treatment resources that help to keep psoriasis patients up to take on the current treatment options. These resources include your doctor or dermatologist, any community psoriasis organizations that exist, and national organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation. As scientist and researchers discover more information through studies about psoriasis better information becomes available about what works and what doesn't work regarding relieving the symptoms of psoriasis.
It is important to ascertain whether or not your doctor is staying up-to-date on the latest concerning psoriasis. It is always smart to shop around and to be cared for by a doctor or dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis. This assures you that they are as knowledgeable as possible concerning the proper treatment for this particular skin disease.
When faced with a chronic condition such as psoriasis it is important to look at the long-range effects of medications. The three categories of medications used in psoriasis are: over-the-counter products, prescription products, and specifically psoriatic arthritis products for those suffering from this special type of psoriasis.
Over-the-counter (OTC):
These items are purchased by the patient through retail pharmacies, neighborhood drugstores, online medicine Website or direct through the manufacturers themselves all without a doctor's prescription. You can often find store brands or generic medications that cost less than prescription ones. Comparison shop, ask the pharmacist for advice, consult with your doctor or dermatologist and read labels when deciding the best medication choice for you.
Prescription products:
Certain psoriasis medications can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. These medications are all approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psoriasis. You can obtain information from your doctor about these medications or you can ask your pharmacist. Often times you can locate the manufacturers help phone line right on the product or on their Website. These help lines are set up to answer patient's questions concerning their products.
Psoriatic arthritis products:
Most of the medications used by doctors to treat this special type of psoriasis are not approved by the FDA for this particular purpose. Medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis are a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs.
