Psoriasis
It can be challenging to find the right psoriasis treatment or a combination of treatments. What works for one individual may not be suitable for another.
Therefore, it is vital to understand the latest treatments as well as work with the doctor to identify the best treatment plan that mitigates or eliminates the psoriasis symptoms.
Reger Vein and Skin Specialists, led by Dr. Gregg Reger, provides advanced skin care and medical spa treatments to patients in Spring, TX, The Woodlands, and surrounding communities.
Biologics
Biologic medications, or biologics, are usually prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that has been unresponsive to other treatments. Biologics are administered by intravenous (IV) infusion or injection.
The biologics used to treat psoriatic disease obstruct the action of a particular type of immune cell known as a T cell, or block proteins in the immune system, such as interleukin 17-A, interleukins 12 and 23, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
These proteins and cells all play a significant role in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Systemics
Systemic treatments are prescription medicines that are taken by mouth or injection. These drugs work throughout the body. Systemics are usually prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
These drugs are also used in patients who are unresponsive or unable to take UV light therapy or topical medications.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, also called light therapy, involves the exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light on a routine basis under medical supervision.
Phototherapy is administered in a physician’s office, psoriasis clinic or at home using a phototherapy unit. Consistency is the key to success with this therapy.
UVB Phototherapy
Ultraviolet B (UVB) is present in natural sunlight, and it is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB goes into the skin and slows the development of affected skin cells. This treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial UVB light source for a specified duration on a routine basis.
New Oral Treatments
New oral treatments inhibit specific molecules associated with swelling to improve the symptoms of psoriatic disease. These treatments can be delivered orally, unlike biologics which are derived from living sources and need to be administered by infusion or injection.
New oral treatments are small molecule drugs that are taken orally. These drugs precisely target molecules within immune cells, unlike earlier pills used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
These treatments correct the overactive immune reaction that leads to inflammation in individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by adjusting the complex processes of swelling with the cell. This improves the scaliness and redness along with inflammation and joint tenderness.
Topicals
Topical treatments are usually the first treatment recommended to a newly diagnosed individual. These medications are applied directly to the skin and can be purchased OTC or by prescription.
There are various effective topical treatments for psoriasis. Many of these medications can be procured OTC while others are only available by prescription.
Corticosteroids, or merely “steroids,” are the most commonly used treatment for psoriasis. They are called anti-inflammatory agents as they reduce the inflammation and redness of lesions. Prescription topical treatments to manage psoriasis lesions also include anthralin, synthetic vitamin D3, and vitamin A.
Reger Vein and Skin Specialists receives patients from Spring, TX, The Woodlands, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care and medical spa treatments.
For More Information contact Reger Vein and Skin Specialists in The Woodlands, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Board Certified Phlebologist Dr. Gregg Reger at Reger Vein and Skin Specialists please call 832-585-0090 or click here to contact our team. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Springs, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.