Posts for: September, 2020
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that results in skin plaques, which are sore, itchy patches of dry, red, and thickened skin. Although you can get these plaques anywhere on your body, they typically develop on the face, elbows, scalp, knees, feet, back, and palms. Like other kinds of auto-inflammatory conditions, psoriasis occurs when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells instead of infectious cells. If you find yourself struggling with this problem, reach out to Northwest Arkansas Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR. Dr. Cheryl Hull is available to help.
Psoriasis Can’t Be Cured, But It Can Be Managed
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis isn’t curable, and there’s currently no one-size-fits-all solution for it. The good news, however, is that there are ways to keep your symptoms under control. With help from your dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Hull, here at Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center in Rogers, AR, you can find the right combination of psoriasis treatments to manage your condition.
Your Psoriasis Treatment Options
Essentially, the main goal of any psoriasis treatment plan is to decrease inflammation that leads to the formation of plaques and prevent the faster-than-normal growth of skin cells. Depending on your particular symptoms and the severity of your condition, your treatment plan may include a combination of the following:
Medications
- OTC and Prescription Topical Drugs: These must be directly applied to your skin to reduce psoriasis symptoms. They contain various active ingredients and are available in different preparations such as ointments, creams, lotions, sprays, gels, and shampoos.
- Biologics: These drugs can help modify your immune system’s response to psoriasis triggers and are typically injected.
- Oral Retinoids: Dermatologists typically recommend these for severe cases of psoriasis that don’t respond to milder treatment options.
- Apremilast: This pill functions by quelling a specific enzyme responsible for triggering inflammation.
- Methotrexate: This aids in controlling inflammation.
- Cyclosporine: This is an immunosuppressant that should only be taken for a short time.
Light Therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy entails exposing the skin to artificial or natural UV light to help minimize psoriasis symptoms. Done consistently, the ultraviolet or UV light will help slow down skin cell growth or turnover. Because of this action, it also helps decrease inflammation signals directly related to psoriasis flares. Your dermatologist in Rogers, AR, may recommend this treatment along with suitable medicines.
Need Relief From Psoriasis, Reach Out to Us
Call (479) 876-8205 to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Cheryl Hull of Northwest AR Clinical Trials Center, PLLC in Rogers, AR.
