Skincare Treated

Psoriasis Treatment from the Dead Sea

Psoriasis is one of those itchy skin conditions that just don’t seem to go. That’s because psoriasis is a chronic disease, it is non-contagious and affects people of both sexes and all ages, though it is seen more often in young adults.

What is Psoriasis?

It occurs when the skin cells reproduce faster than usual, resulting in the accumulation of red patches with silvery scales on various parts of the body.

This includes the knees, elbows and scalp. Just as there are different types of psoriasis, psoriasis medical treatments also vary.

Research indicates that psoriasis can be triggered by stress, skin injury, infection and reaction to certain drugs. There is no permanent cure though there may be gaps of months or years between episodes.  Some people find that their condition gets worse in winter, while others improve in summer, warmer climates and increased exposure to sunlight.

There are various types of psoriasis medical treatments available to control the condition. The most common is topical treatment that is applied directly to the skin like gels, ointments, lotions or creams. They are very effective for mild psoriasis.

There is no single topical drug which is beneficial for all psoriasis patients. Corticosteroids, coal tar, vitamin D-3 derivatives and anthralin (an extract of tree bark) are all used to treat the disease. Sometimes keratolytics (medications to remove skin flakes) are added to these preparations for enhanced effect.

Rotating Drugs

Drugs are often rotated as they become less effective with continued use and also cause side-effects.  For instance, corticosteroids decrease inflammation and itching, but can cause thinning of the skin and dilation of blood vessels.

Phototherapy or light therapy uses ultraviolet rays to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production. A moderate amount of sunlight helps some people with psoriasis. Certain wavelengths of ultraviolet B (UVB) light are also effective.

PUVA combines ultraviolet a light therapy with a type of drug called a psoralen, but this can cause nausea and burning. Prolonged use of phototherapy can lead to skin cancer.

Another form of psoriasis medical treatments is systemic therapy (pills or injections), which is used when topical treatment and phototherapy do not work.

Oral medicines include cyclosporine, methotrexate and acitretin.  Acitretin is used in certain types of psoriasis, but women should neither take it when pregnant or for 3 years after stopping the medication.

Cyclosporine is a drug that suppresses the immune system. Methotrexate has been used to treat psoriasis for many years.  It is also used to treat cancer when given in high doses.

These are all potent drugs and can cause severe side-effects involving the liver, kidney and blood.  Therefore, treatment has to be closely monitored. 

What Are Biologics?

Biologics are a new class of psoriasis medical treatments. They are sourced from animal or human proteins and are administered by injection. Biologics block the action of certain immune cells that cause psoriasis. 

Some biologics can be self-injected, while intravenous infusions require a physician to administer the drug. Treatment with biologics means fewer risks and side-effects, but the high cost means this option is only available to some. 

All these types of psoriasis treatments can be used alone or in combination.  For example, a topical ointment can be used along with phototherapy.

Alternative Therapies

Then there’s a range of alternative psoriasis medical treatments such as acupuncture, homoeopathy, herbal remedies and diet. Scientific evidence shows that stress triggers and aggravates psoriasis.  Therefore, practices like meditation, relaxation and hypnosis can benefit psoriasis patients. 

Did you know that certain vitamins like shark liver oil and omega 3 can boost the immune system? Avoiding protein-rich foods and eating more fruit and vegetables can ease psoriasis flare-ups.

Homoeopathic psoriasis treatments claim to have no damaging side effects. Dead Sea salts have been used to treat psoriasis in the Middle East for thousands of years. 

However, a treatment that works wonders in one patient may have no effect on another.  Through trial and error, you can find the psoriasis medical treatment that is right for you.