Psoriasis Treatments
From Dean Goodless, M.D., former About.com Guide
What treatment your doctor will recommend for you depends on the severity of your psoriasis, other health conditions you have, and how big of an impact psoriasis has (or will have) on your daily life. Not every treatment is suitable for every patient.
Getting Started With Treatments
When it comes to treating psoriasis, the first line of treatment is to try simple over-the-counter skin creams and other similar lower risk medications. Talk to your doctor before trying any of these, however, as you need a treatment plan to get the best care possible.
- Overview: Psoriasis Treatments
- The Importance of a Psoriasis Diary
- Over-the-Counter Options for Psoriasis
- A Patient's Perspective: Top 10 OTC Options
- Skin Creams Used to Treat Psoriasis
- Keratolytics: Medicines to Dissolve Skin Flakes
- Coal Tar as a Treatment
- Best Treatments for Hand and Feet
- Soaps, Shampoos and Perfumes
- Laser Treatments
Treating the Whole Body
When more than 10% of the body's surface is affected by psoriasis, whole-body treatment may be warranted. Pills, shots and light treatments can treat large areas of the body at one time -- something that's just too difficult to do with creams or other topical medications.
- Biologic Drug Treatments for Psoriasis
- Biologic Drugs in Children
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Self-Injection Drugs
- Tips for Coping With Injections
- Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis
- Patient Perspective on Phototherapy
- Experimental Psoriasis Treatments
- Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis
- Common Psoriasis Drug Interactions
Making Treatment Work Better: Things to Know
Many mild cases of psoriasis respond to self-treatment with moisturizers, sunlight and over-the-counter medications.
