Living with Psoriasis

ARE THERE TREATMENTS FOR PSORIASIS AND ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE MEDICATIONS?

• Yes, there are many ways to treat psoriasis, including: topical creams, light or photo therapy, oral or injected medications, or a combination of these.⁷
• You can also help manage your condition by avoiding common triggers.^2,3
• People with psoriasis are likely to become depressed, encounter difficulty in their personal relationships, and have complications at work due to medical appointments and physical limitations.⁶
• There are several side effects associated with psoriasis medications, ranging from very mild to quite serious. They vary depending on the medication used and on your personal reaction to it. See “Are medications for psoriasis safe?” for more details.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT MY PSORIASIS?

• If you or your family doctor suspect psoriasis, you should seek out the advice of a dermatologist. Psoriasis is linked to other serious medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The sooner you start to work with your dermatologist to control your symptoms, the better the outlook for your long-term well-being.⁸

REFERENCES

1. Psoriasis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/basics/definition/con-20030838. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
2. Psoriasis: Causes. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis#treatment. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
3. Psoriasis: Causes. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/basics/causes/con-20030838. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
4. Psoriasis: Definition. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/basics/definition/con-20030838. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
5. Psoriasis. Canadian Dermatology Association. http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/psoriasis/#!/skin-hair-nails/skin/psoriasis/what-is-psoriasis/. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
6. Life with Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
7. Treatments and Drugs. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/basics/treatment/con-20030838. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.
8. About Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis. Published 2016. Accessed August 22, 2016.