What are the treatment options for psoriasis?

A dermatologist considers whether plaques are limited or widespread, which body areas are involved, and whether symptoms affect sleep, movement, work, or confidence. Skin-fold, scalp, nail, facial, and genital psoriasis may need especially careful treatment because these areas can react differently to medicines. Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling can change the treatment plan because psoriasis may involve the joints as well as the skin.

Topical corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and scaling when applied as directed. Vitamin D analogue treatment may be used alone or alongside another topical medicine. Narrowband UVB phototherapy exposes affected skin to a controlled form of ultraviolet light under clinical supervision. PUVA therapy combines a light-sensitising medicine with ultraviolet A light and is considered only when appropriate.

For more extensive or persistent psoriasis, a dermatologist may discuss systemic treatment. Methotrexate treatment can calm the immune activity that drives inflammation, while biologic therapy targets specific immune pathways. These medicines require a medical history review and monitoring; tell the clinician about infections, liver or kidney problems, pregnancy plans, and every medicine or supplement you use.

Use prescribed treatments consistently and follow the application or appointment schedule. Moisturising regularly can reduce dryness and cracking, but it does not replace disease-directed treatment. Do not stop a medicine or increase its amount because the skin looks better or worse without first checking with the prescribing clinician.

Arrange a dermatology review if plaques are spreading, treatment is irritating your skin, or symptoms are interfering with sleep or daily activities. Seek prompt medical advice for new joint swelling, persistent joint stiffness, or painful movement. Urgent assessment is appropriate for rapidly reddened skin over much of the body, widespread blistering or pus-filled spots, fever with a severe flare, or signs of a serious medicine reaction such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Ask which psoriasis type and body areas are being treated, how long to try the recommended plan, and how improvement will be assessed. You can also ask whether light therapy or a systemic medicine is suitable, what monitoring is needed, which symptoms should be reported quickly, and how to manage treatment around pregnancy, vaccinations, travel, or an infection.