Psoriasis is a recurring skin condition that causes red flaky patches on the skin. Being an autoimmune disease, there is no long term cure for psoriasis as it is. However, there are many solutions and treatment options to help manage the condition, both in the short run and long run. Treatment for psoriasis is aimed at alleviating the discomfort and pain caused by the resultant symptoms. Psoriasis cure encompasses both medications as well as home remedies.
Types of Psoriasis Cure Treatments
1. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments include ointments and medicines applied on the surface of the skin on the affected areas. For mild to moderate cases of psoriasis, topical treatments are usually sufficient. These over the counter (OTC) medicines come in the form of cream, form or ointments, available as:
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Corticosteroids
Steroids are the most common topical treatment for psoriasis cure. They are extensively used to reduce swelling and redness. Mild corticosteroid ointments may be used on the face and genital areas to alleviate flare ups. Stronger corticosteroids would need a doctor’s prescription. Nevertheless, steroids are a short term psoriasis cure and are not recommended for long term use.
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Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid present in shampoos and face washes can help reduce the scaling of psoriasis skin and soften it. It should not be left on for long periods of time and should only be used as per doctor’s instruction as the overuse of salicylic acid can weaken the skin and hair follicles.
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Prescription Retinoid
Retinoids contain synthetic Vitamin A and are available in the form of ointments, gel or cream. These help in alleviating skin irritation and may be recommended to be used along with steroids.
2. Phototherapy Treatments
Light therapy or phototherapy is a form of psoriasis cure which is more commonly resorted to in the case of moderate to severe psoriasis. The process involves exposure of the affected area to controlled amounts of light, which can help in slowing down the growth rate of cells. There are different types of phototherapy treatments as part of psoriasis cure, such as:
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UVB Broadband
Under this, UVB light is exposed to larger patches of affected skin in controlled doses. Side effects may include redness, itching and dry skin, which can be assuaged with liberal application of moisturiser.
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UVB Narrowband
UVB narrowband is a more advanced treatment than UVB broadband, wherein only a targeted area is exposed to UVB light. This treatment has replaced UVB broadband in many hospitals. It may cause side effects like skin burning and itching.
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Excimer Laser therapy (VTRAC)
Excimer is a more powerful UVB treatment wherein only the affected areas are exposed to light therapy. As a more powerful light is used under excimer, it requires only fewer sessions for treatment.
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Psoralen + UVA (PUVA)
UVA light permeates the skin more than UVB light. Under this treatment, the medication psoralen is consumed prior to undergoing light therapy, which makes the skin more responsive to UVA. This is used only in extremely severe cases of psoriasis as it has a wide range of possible side effects including nausea, headache, burning and itching in the short term and increased sun sensitivity, dry and wrinkled skin, freckles, and increased risk of skin cancer in the long term.
3. Systemic Treatments
When topical or phototherapy treatments fail to work, your doctor may recommend systemic treatments for psoriasis cure. Systemic treatments can be oral or injected into the skin. The different types of systemic treatments for psoriasis cure are:
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Oral Retinoids
Often used to treat pustular psoriasis, oral retinoids help in reducing the production of skin cells. Acitretin is the most commonly used oral retinoid. It may cause side effects like dry skin and muscle soreness and is not recommended to be used by children, pregnant or lactating women.
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Steroids
Steroids such as triamcinolone are injected into the affected areas for mild cases of psoriasis. This is more effective to treat small lesions or patches of psoriasis.
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Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants are injected or consumed to slow down your immune system. This may cause adverse effects like weakened immunity, but has been proven to be effective in moderate to severe psoriasis cure. The most commonly used immunosuppressants are Methotrexate and Cyclosporine.
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Enzyme Inhibitors
Enzyme inhibitors come in the form of pills known as apremilast. These are to be taken twice daily as recommended by your doctor. Side effects include suicidal thoughts or depression.
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Biologics
Biologics are injected to alter the functioning of the immune system and fight the symptoms of psoriasis. This form of psoriasis cure is recommended in cases where other treatments fail to work as it is comparatively more costly and has the potential of causing side effects such as weakening of the immune system to fight other infections and tuberculosis.
4. Home Remedies
Contrary to the above, many patients opt for at-home remedies for psoriasis cure, which carry much less risk and costs. There are many home remedies and natural treatments for psoriasis which have proven to be effective in alleviating the symptoms to a large extent, some of which are enumerated below:
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its skin rejuvenating and soothing properties. An aloe vera gel can reduce redness, inflammation and itching caused due to psoriasis.
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Salt Bath
Epsom salt or dead sea salt baths have been proven to be useful in reducing scaling and irritation of the skin.
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Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements can be consumed as capsules or applied on the skin as oil for alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, mixed in equal parts of water, can be applied on the skin a couple of times a week to reduce itching in scalp psoriasis.
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Healthy Lifestyle
Most importantly, following a healthy lifestyle by consuming healthy foods, exercising regularly, avoiding the intake of alcohol and cutting down junk food can improve your overall well being and health, which can in turn, make you stronger in fighting psoriasis.
5. Ayurvedic Treatments
Ayurveda also has found its place in psoriasis cure. The most popular ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis cure is panchakarma therapy. Panchakarma therapy and ayurveda in particular is based on the premise that our body is made up of 5 major elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether (Space). These elements are present in the body in the form of doshas. Everyone has a different combination of doshas in their body. The major doshas are - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Under ayurveda, psoriasis is deemed to be caused due to an imbalance in the Vata and Kapha doshas. Psoriasis cure in ayurveda is aimed at balancing out the said imbalances.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis Cure in Kerala
There is a rising demand for ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis cure all over the world. Your search for the best ayurvedic treatment centre for psoriasis cure in Kerala ends here. At Ayur Bethaniya, we offer a complete and comprehensive holistic treatment for psoriasis, which aims at treating the condition right from the roots and not merely alleviating the symptoms. We prepare customised treatment plans for each patient after studying their condition and medical history. Our combination of ayurvedic treatments and holistic lifestyle changes are guaranteed to provide you with the best cure for psoriasis. With our esteemed and expert doctors and medical practitioners, you can avail the top rated ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis cure at Ayur Bethaniya. Connect with us to know more about ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis cure in Kerala.