What treatment options are available for psoriasis?
September 8, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Engel
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Eiko Endres and I have been suffering from psoriasis for some time now. The disease is causing me increasing concern as it spreads to different parts of my body and significantly impacts my daily life. I have tried various creams and ointments, but so far none of them have brought significant improvement.
Currently, the psoriasis is particularly severe on my elbows, knees, and scalp. The affected areas itch, burn, and flake heavily, greatly affecting my well-being. I have also noticed that stress and certain foods can worsen my symptoms.
I have heard about different treatment options such as topical treatments, light therapy, systemic medications, and alternative therapies. However, I am unsure which option would be most suitable for me and what risks and side effects are associated with the different treatments.
Therefore, as an expert in the field of dermatology, I would like to ask for your advice: Which treatment options would you recommend for effectively treating my psoriasis and relieving the symptoms? Are there any new, innovative therapies that I should consider? And how can I adapt my lifestyle to improve my skin health?
I thank you in advance for your time and expertise and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Eiko Endres
Dear Mr. Endres,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation and your open questions regarding treatment options for psoriasis, also known as Psoriasis. It is understandable that symptoms such as itching, burning, and severe flaking on various parts of the body greatly impact your quality of life. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can have different manifestations and must be treated individually.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that Psoriasis is a complex condition that cannot be fully cured. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve skin appearance, and reduce flare-ups. There are various treatment options that can be used depending on the severity of Psoriasis and individual needs.
For topical treatment, which involves the external application of creams and ointments, corticosteroid preparations, vitamin D analogs, or tar preparations are often used. These can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can also be an effective treatment option, especially for extensive areas of skin or severe forms of Psoriasis.
In cases of severe Psoriasis or when topical therapies are not sufficiently effective, systemic medications such as immunosuppressants or biologics may be used. These medications target the immune system specifically and can regulate the body's overreaction to skin cells. However, the selection of the appropriate medication should always be done under medical supervision, as these therapies can be associated with various risks and side effects.
For a holistic approach to treatment, it is also important to adjust lifestyle factors. Stress reduction, regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help alleviate symptoms and improve skin appearance. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or traditional Chinese medicine can also be supportive but should not be considered as sole treatment options.
In terms of new, innovative therapies, there are constantly developments and new approaches in the treatment of Psoriasis. Biologics, for example, are a relatively new class of medications that target specific messenger substances in the immune system and can inhibit inflammatory processes in the skin. New agents such as JAK inhibitors or IL-23 inhibitors are currently being intensively researched and may offer additional treatment options in the future.
It is important that you are under the care of a dermatologist who can provide comprehensive advice and regular monitoring. Together, you can choose the appropriate treatment option and tailor it to your individual needs. Do not hesitate to discuss any open questions with your doctor and work together to create a treatment plan that helps you better cope with your Psoriasis.
I hope this information was helpful to you, and I wish you all the best on your journey to improving your skin health.
Sincerely,
Ludwig Engel, Specialist in Dermatology
