Plaque Psoriasis is a type of skin condition where patches of dead cells are found on the skin. These patches are also known as plaque and are usually white in colour, itchy, and tend to flake off.
The condition is caused by T-Cells, a type of white blood cell, attacking healthy skin cells. Typically, this means that most treatments will attempt to target the immune system.
Topical products, medications, and phototherapy are three of the most common ways to treat plaque psoriasis.
Topical creams and ointments used to treat plaque psoriasis usually contain corticosteroids, salicylic acid, or anthralin. They can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of your condition.
Stronger topical treatments need to be prescribed by a doctor or a healthcare professional. You should discuss your plaque psoriasis with your doctor so he or she can help you determine which treatment would work best for you.
Corticosteroids and anthralin help slow down the rate of skin cells being produced. However, corticosteroids are only meant to be used for short periods and anthralin should only be used as a last resort for plaque psoriasis.
Salicylic acid will only help remove the already dead skin cells that have accumulated.
Medications can come in the form of oral pills and injections. These usually need to be prescribed by a doctor and can be dependent on the level of your plaque psoriasis.
Medications that contain retinoids will reduce the number of skin cells that the body is producing. Side effects of using retinoids include lip swelling, hair loss, and birth defects in pregnant women.
is also similar to retinoids but has better results with patients because of the milder side effects associated with it, such as nausea, appetite loss, and fatigue.
Phototherapy is a way to help milder cases of plaque psoriasis. A UV light is exposed to the skin and will slow down the immune system’s response to skin cells.
Be sure to see your doctor or a professional healthcare provider before you decide to move on with any of these treatments. He or she will be able to provide you with more options that are appropriate for you and your case of plaque psoriasis.
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