3. Discoloration Of Nails
Discoloration of nails is a more severe symptom of psoriasis. The cause of this could be attributed to dilated blood vessels. Hence, splinter hemorrhages may appear on the nails. These are narrow lines that are reddish-purple in color.
Another manifestation of psoriasis is nail pits. These are tiny dents on the nails.
2. Scaly Plaques On The Scalp
The scalp, being rich in hair follicles, is a particularly vulnerable area of skin. Hence, it is more prone to infections. With the onset of psoriasis, scaly plaques are most likely to appear on the scalp.
There is evidence that triggers like stress, skin injuries, and hormonal shifts can also make psoriasis symptoms on the scalp worse.
1. Stiff And Swollen Joints
Stiff and swollen joints are the manifestation of psoriatic arthritis, which is caused by inflammation of connective tissue or joints. The joints that are commonly affected are the ones in the neck, shoulder, elbows, base of the spine, knees, ankles, and wrists. Furthermore, the joints in the fingers, thumbs, and toes can also be affected.
Treatments And Care
Psoriasis can be treated with a variety of medications. Corticosteroids are one type of medication that can be used topically to reduce redness, inflammation, and itching.
Other treatments include topical retinoids and narrowband ultraviolet light therapy. If symptoms are severe, patients may need systemic medications. These may include methotrexate and classic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD) such as cyclosporine and azathioprine.
Biological treatments, which alter the immune system and interrupt the disease cycle, are another option. These drugs can improve symptoms in a matter of weeks. They are approved for people with severe psoriasis who have failed to respond to first-line treatments.
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, proper treatment can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Some treatments may be combined with lifestyle changes to improve quality of life.
Psoriasis treatments can be grouped into four categories. These are alternative therapy, light therapy, oral and injection therapy, and topical therapy.
Below are psoriasis treatments you should know about.
20. Aloe Extract Cream
The use of aloe vera falls right under alternative therapy. Aloe vera can be used topically to relieve itch and pain from psoriasis. A cream or gel of aloe vera can be applied to the affected areas to provide a protective coating.
In some cases, it may reduce inflammation, scaling, and itching. While some people report positive results with aloe, aloe extract cream is not a good stand-alone treatment for psoriasis.
19. Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements also fall under alternative therapy. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that come in a variety of forms. Although most of them must be converted into the body before they can exert health benefits, the basic forms of ALA and EPA are particularly useful for psoriasis treatment.
ALA has anti-inflammatory properties, which are important for healthy skin, and it is found in flax seeds, chia seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
18. Oregon Grape
Another alternative therapy for psoriasis is the use of Oregon grape. This is an effective and natural way to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. This plant contains the active ingredient berberine, which is responsible for reducing psoriasis.
There are several creams and lotions that contain Oregon grape root extract. A cream or lotion with this extract can be applied directly to the affected area to improve symptoms.
17. Sunlight
As a light therapy, sunlight is one of the best natural treatments for psoriasis. It contains ultraviolet (UV) rays which slow down the rate of skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation and scaling.
Sunlight exposure for just a few minutes a day has been shown to improve the condition of patients suffering from psoriasis. However, exposure to sunlight should be done cautiously as excessive exposure can worsen the condition.
16. Goeckerman Therapy
Another light therapy is the Goeckerman therapy. It is a proven method of treating plaque psoriasis that uses a specialized form of light therapy and crude coal tar. According to a study, Goeckerman Therapy regimen is successful in treating patients with moderate-severe psoriasis.
It reduced psoriasis severity, and patients’ overall quality of life and psychosocial distress improved significantly. Furthermore, it was more cost-effective than the conventional treatment.
15. UVB Broadband
Broadband UVB lamps emit light from wavelengths within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum from 290 to 320 nanometers. Dermatologists have long used them for psoriatic arthritis, but recent advances have made UVB even safer and more effective. This particular light therapy is a non-surgical treatment for psoriasis.
UVB broadband has shown significant improvements in patient’s symptoms and can be performed two to three times per week.
14. UVB Narrowband
UVB Narrowband therapy is a method of treating psoriasis that involves exposure to narrow bands of ultraviolet light. This type of therapy has been found to be more effective than broadband UVB therapy.
Its lower wavelengths help it work faster and prevent flare-ups for longer. As a result, fewer treatments are needed each week. UVB Narrowband therapy may be combined with other treatment options
13. Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA)
Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet-A photochemotherapy is another type of light therapy. It involves a combination of UVA and psoralen. Psoralens are phototoxic plant compounds that can be used to treat a variety of skin diseases.
PUVA treatments are effective and produce longer-lasting remissions. In addition, they are less time-consuming than UVB phototherapy.
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