Treatment Options for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that causes red, itchy patches to develop on the skin. Symptoms associated with the disease can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing for people living with it. It does not have a cure, but symptoms can often be managed with different treatments and some lifestyle adjustments.
“Psoriasis is a chronic, auto-immune skin condition where you have red, scaly patches on the skin,” Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a dermatologist/rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Health System, tells SN Health Network. “It is a chronic condition, which can ebb and flow.”
Treatment options fall into three broad categories:
- Topical treatments (ointments or creams you can rub on the skin)
- Phototherapy (using UVB light to treat the disease)
- Systemic treatments (drugs taken either orally or intravenously)
How you treat the disease will depend on the type of psoriasis you have and other factors related to your general health and lifestyle.
Many patients are able to manage their psoriasis with just ointments, or topical treatments, but others need additional support. That may include using an injectable drug known as a biologic, such as risankizumab (brand name: Skyrizi), or one taken orally such as upadacitinib (brand name: Rinvoq).
Dermatologist/rheumatologist Dr. Saakshi Khattri explains treatment options.
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