Dermatologist Tips: 3 Ways To Clear Up Psoriasis | Southlake, TX

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Psoriasis is a skin disorder where a person’s skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This causes the skin to take on a scaly, patchy appearance that’s also red and itchy. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease; however, there are various treatments that can help ease symptoms and reduce flareups.

Figuring out a skincare regimen that works for you in treating psoriasis can be difficult. Trying out treatments that haven’t been endorsed by dermatologists can end with poor results. Not only may you make the situation a lot worse, but you could also feel a lot worse. Getting a skin evaluation from a professional in Southlake, TX will provide you with some insight into your skin type and what treatments may be most effective for your situation. Here are some of the most recommended treatments by experts for easing psoriasis symptoms.

Try Topical Therapies

The most popular remedies for clearing up psoriasis are topical therapies. In most cases, you’ll need to speak with your dermatologist to get a prescription. Many of these topical ointments contain medications or active ingredients that are not available over-the-counter. Some of the more popular topical therapies include:

  • Corticosteroids, which are by far the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. These medications are available in many different forms, like creams, gels, ointments, and more. In most cases, your dermatology expert will recommend that you apply the corticosteroid once a day during flares and maybe every other day for maintenance. It’s important to note that long-term use or overuse of corticosteroids can thin the skin. As a result, it’s vital that you are under medical supervision if you start a treatment or regimen.

 

  • Retinoids, which are available as gels and creams. These are meant to be applied once or twice a day. Unfortunately, these topical ointments also come with side effects like skin irritation and increased sensitivity to light.

It’s not unusual for a dermatologist to recommend several topical therapies at once or to recommend that you try the topical therapies with other types of treatments and alternative medicines.

Consider Light Therapies

Another very popular treatment is light therapy. This is normally used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis and can be used as a treatment by itself or can be combined with the use of medications. Light therapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of light, whether it be natural or artificial. It’s important to note that results don’t appear immediately and repeated treatments will be necessary. Some common types of light therapies that are used to treat psoriasis include:

  • Sunlight. That’s right! Natural light can be effective at treating psoriasis. All you have to do is sunbathe a bit every day; however, speak to your dermatologist in order to get a more detailed plan.

 

  • UVB broadband can treat single patches of psoriasis. Usually, this treatment is only recommended after the patient has tried topical treatments. Although this treatment can be quite effective, it comes with some short-term effects, like redness, itching, and dry skin. To combat these side effects, we highly recommend that you moisturize regularly. You can also speak with your dermatologist for more information on what you can do to lessen the side effects.

 

  • UVB narrowband. This is a bit different from UVB broadband treatment. It’s needed more frequently (approximately 2 to 3 times a week and then needed for maintenance), and can also cause long-lasting burns, which is why you need to speak with your dermatologist first before proceeding.

There are many other types of light therapies that can be recommended by your dermatologist. It’s important to schedule a consultation with them. After a skin evaluation and assessment, they’ll be able to provide you with a treatment regimen that is most suitable for your skin type.

Seek Our Alternative Medicines

Last but not least, it might be worth it to try out alternative therapies that claim to ease symptoms of psoriasis. It’s important to note that these treatments haven’t been proven to be effective; however, they are generally safe and can aid in the treatment of psoriasis, so there’s no harm in giving it a try.

Some of the more popular alternative medicines include:

  • Aloe extract cream, which comes from the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera has already been touted as having anti-inflammatory properties and can ease skin irritation. Some people claim that aloe extract cream can reduce redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis.

 

  • Fish oil supplements. Some people also claim that taking fish oil supplements with light therapy can also aid in treating symptoms.

 

For more information on which alternative medicines might be beneficial or suitable for you, speak with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

We Can Help!

If you are struggling with psoriasis, seek medical attention and help. You are not alone and this skin disorder affects a lot of other people. With the right type of treatment and therapies, you can prevent flare-ups and maintain your skin’s condition. This will not only make you feel more comfortable in your own skin but will also reduce the amount of work and time that goes into taking care of your skin. A lot of the treatments recommended by others online may not always be effective and may be counterproductive.

Take proactive measures and speak with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX today. Here, at Compassion Dermatology, we are one of the top dermatology clinics in the area. We provide a wide range of different treatments and can evaluate your skin in order to help you figure out what’s the best thing you can do for your situation. Our team will stay with you during your treatment and every step of the way, so we can tailor the treatment to your body’s responses and needs.

For more information, give us a call today at 817-380-5911.