How to Get Relief from Psoriasis Pain
Healthy skin cells follow a growth and shed cycle that takes place over the course of about a month. But if you have psoriasis, the process takes just a few days. And when skin cells replicate too fast, they build up and create painful, itchy psoriasis plaques.
Experts aren’t sure what causes psoriasis, and there’s currently no cure for it. Fortunately, treatment can offer much-needed relief from psoriasis pain.
Oswald Mikell, MD, and our team at Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry specialize in psoriasis treatment, and we can help you find the best combination of treatments to relieve your symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about your treatment options.
Topical psoriasis treatments
Topical medications applied directly to your skin can relieve psoriasis discomfort, and they’re particularly effective for people with mild psoriasis. Topical psoriasis creams and ointments work by slowing down skin cell reproduction and reducing inflammation.
Many psoriasis topicals are available over the counter. Stronger topical medications and steroid creams require a prescription. Depending on your condition, Dr. Mikell and our team may recommend regularly moisturizing your skin to manage psoriasis flare-ups in addition to using topical medication.
Light therapy for psoriasis
Light therapy is a drug-free psoriasis treatment that uses UVB light to eliminate the extra skin cells that create psoriasis plaques. Dr. Mikell offers XTRAC® light therapy, and over a series of sessions, he targets your psoriasis plaques with light to break down the extra skin cells and heal the area.
Since light therapy only treats the areas of skin affected by psoriasis, there’s a low risk for side effects, and no downtime is required.
Systemic medication for psoriasis
If you have moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, systemic medication may be a good option, especially if topical treatments and light therapy aren’t enough to manage your symptoms.
Systemic medications are available as oral pills, liquids, intravenous infusions, and injections. These medications work throughout the body to reduce skin cell growth and reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Finding the right psoriasis treatment for you
You have lots of options when it comes to relieving psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis treatment is focused on reducing skin cell growth to avoid plaque formation, and many people find that a combination of treatments helps them live more comfortably. Our team is here to help you find the methods that work best for you.
To learn more about your options for treating psoriasis, book an appointment over the phone with Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry today. We have offices in Hilton Head, Okatie, and Beaufort, South Carolina.
