There are no cures for psoriasis yet though there are lots of treatments for psoriasis symptoms. Nevertheless, the treatments are not universal wherein one treatment may not necessarily be effective. You must not lose hope in finding one treatment that will work for you. Though finding a treatment may usually take longer, trying different combinations would be advisable. Here are some of the most common medications advised for the psoriasis sufferers. These are the most effective treatments there are though they may have some side effects.
The first is methotrexate. Common to all psoriasis is the abnormal skin turnover. Methotrexate provides relief as it interferes with the skin regeneration process. As such, this treatment is highly advisable for psoriatics with moderate and severe psoriasis. Methotrexate is specifically advisable for people with very painful psoriasis like severe plaque psoriasis and pustular psoriasis. Methotrexate can be administered orally or intravenously. Nonetheless, you can only take methotrexate just once per week. After taking it, it would be very important to have a follow-up with the doctor who administered it.
Some of the side effects of methotrexate are loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis simply refers to liver’s scarring.
The second is cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is recommended for people with moderate and severe as well as resistant plaque psoriasis. Cyclosporine is a suppressant, suppressing the functions that lead to rapid skin turnover. Simply, cyclosporine is very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. The effects of cyclosporine can be noticed after 4 to 8 weeks. It can be taken on a daily basis but when the medication suddenly stopped, the symptoms may immediately ensue.
The side effects of cyclosporine include nausea, tremor and diarrhea. Other major side effects are increased cancer, kidney damage and high blood pressure risk. This is the reason why the use of cyclosporine must be stopped after taking it for about a year.
The third is oral retinoid. A derivative of Vitamin A, oral retinoid is a synthetic drug which means this is very good for our skin. Some of the common oral retinoids are accutane, acitretin and soriatane, all of which are used in treating severe psoriasis. Oral retinoid directly affect the skin cell regeneration. Hence, the treatment can lead to clearing up of psoriasis symptoms. While it usually takes weeks up to months prior to seeing results, the results that oral retinoid bring may last longer. You might notice slight worsening when you are starting the treatment but redness and scaling may eventually be reduced until it clears up. Oral retinoid works best when combined with phototherapy. Daily dose of oral retinoid could be taken, and when the stomach is full.
Some of the side effects with oral retinoid are photosensitivity, burns, increased fat level into the bloodstream and pancreas inflammation. It should not be taken by pregnant women as well as those who are currently lactating. Even women who are planning to get pregnant must avoid oral retinoid intake. Consulting with your doctor is always a must when planning to take oral retinoid to treat your psoriasis.
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