Psoriasis Treatment   Psoriasis is generally not life threatening.  It is considered important to control psoriasis on both physical and psychological levels.  This condition often has a dramatic impact on one's self-esteem.  Depending on the extent and severity of the plaques, various approaches may be utilized.            Conventional Psoriasis Treatment:   Treatments can be categorized into lubricating creams, topical corticosteroids, light therapy, immune suppressants, and other topical creams. [1]   Lubricating creams may include commercial moisturizers [Neutrogena], hydrogenated oils, and white petroleum [Vaseline]. These are applied after bathing to prevent further drying, which can cause the skin to crack.   Specific topical creams include; Anthralin [Drithocreme, Micanol], which inhibits cell proliferation; a retinoid gel called tazarotene [Tazorac], which cannot be used by pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive due to possible birth defects; coal tar preparations that decrease cell proliferation (often smell bad and stain clothing); and calipotrieine [Donovex], which is a Vitamin D derivative that also slows down cell growth.  Topical corticosteroids are also used in conjunction with these topical preparations. These combination creams, or ointments, are considered more effective when covered with occlusive dressings or when incorporated into flurandrenolide tape. The potency and type of topical preparation is selected based on severity of lesions.   Immune suppressants such as oral methotrexate are reserved for the most severe and disabling cases.  Methotrexate appears to interfere with the rapid proliferation of keritninocytes, however, it also effects many other organ functions and administration must be closely monitored.  Cyclosporines are also used for unresponsive and severe cases, but also have the same deleterious effects as methotrexate.   PUVA [psoralen-ultraviolet light therapy] is useful for cases with extensive lesions, covering large regions of the skin surface.  Patients usually receive an oral dose of methoxsalen, followed by long wave UV therapy.  This procedure may increase the incidence of UV-induced skin cancer with repeated exposures.     Supplements helpful for Psoriasis   Essential fatty acids Certain essential fatty acids found in fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], have reduced the severity of psoriasis in a number of controlled trials. [6, 7]  Essential fatty acids are thought to exert effects via the inflammation cascade, which can modulate many dysfunctions that lead to or control various chronic disease states.   Fumaric acid Fumaric acid esters have been used effectively in cases of severe and widespread psoriasis. [8]  Because of the increased incidence of side effects like nausea, skin flushing, and kidney and liver abnormalities, this therapy is reserved only for patients with severe cases, when other therapies have been ineffective.   Capsaicin The primary compound with the greatest activity in hot peppers is capsaicin.  Capsaicin has been shown to deplete substance P, which is associated with pain perception.  A double blind trial demonstrated the topical application of capsaicin cream, and showed significant improvements in psoriasis lesions and improvements of the adverse symptoms associated with the condition, namely, itching. [9]   Vitamin D Studies have shown both topical and oral doses of vitamin D to be effective in treating psoriasis.  With topical applications of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the majority of patients noticed excellent or moderate improvements in their psoriasis symptoms. [10]  Oral doses of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol have even demonstrated complete remission in some patients. [11]   Glycyrrhiza glabra One of the key constituents of licorice is glycyrrhetinic acid [GA].  When applied topically, GA has a similar anti-inflammatory effect as topical hydrocortisone. [12]   Aloe vera Topically applied aloe extract, included in a hydrophilic cream, was more effective than placebo.  Furthermore, it did not show toxicity or any other objective side-effects in a placebo controlled double-blind study. [13]     Learn More About Psoriasis Introduction to Psoriasis Psoriasis Treatment Products helpful for Psoriasis Go Back Learn More

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