Psoriasis
Therapeutic options
When deciding on the right course of therapy, the doctor assesses the severity of the disease. They then make a choice about which treatment is suitable together with the patient. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but it can be treated well. The following approaches, possibly combined with one another, are available:
Basic therapy
Use of moisturising and nourishing creams, ointments or lotions (possibly in combination with salicylic acid or urea as plaque-removing components; may burn!) to restore the skin barrier (outermost cell layer of the skin).
External (topical) therapy
Applying creams, ointments, emulsions, solutions or foams with active ingredients that relieve inflammation, slow down cell proliferation and loosen scales. These active ingredients include cortisone derivatives, vitamin D derivatives and vitamin A derivatives.
Internal (system) therapy
Taking tablets or oral rehydration solutions or administering injections with active ingredients to reduce inflammation. The immune resistance is changed or suppressed and the excessive skin cell proliferation is slowed down. Possible active ingredients include fumaric acid esters as capsules or tablets, immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or ciclosporin as well as vitamin A derivatives and so-called phosphodiesterase inhibitors.
Biologics
Biologics are biotechnologically manufactured medication that have an affect on the disease; they are applied under the skin as an infusion or an injection. They block certain messengers of the immune system and thus intervene positively in the inflammation process.
Further therapeutic measures
In addition to medication, light and climatotherapy can help with the symptoms of psoriasis. Psychotherapy may also be helpful, especially for depression caused by psoriasis.
Those affected can also influence the progression of their disease themselves: as well as using suitable skincare products, social interaction with other people affected can have a positive effect on their quality of life. Avoiding things like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol as well as a healthy body weight can also help to keep the symptoms more mild.