Treatment options vary depending on the individual and will need to be determined through experimenting with different methods to determine which approach will work best in a given case. Depending on the severity, psoriasis treatment forms fall into three categories

1. Topical treatments are most common and can be anything from an over-the-counter formulation to prescription steroids. Salicylic acid is commonly used in shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc. to lift scales. Adding treatments such as oiled oatmeal, Epsom or Dead Sea Salts to baths can also provide relief from itching and remove scales. Keeping skin from drying out with moisturizers and oils can decrease redness and itching. Steroids can be used to treat an existing flare up but typically do not prevent recurrence.

Dermarest® Psoriasis topical products contain a unique combination of natural extracts and oils to help relieve the intense itch, redeness and irritation of psoriais. Learn more about how Dermarest® Psoriasis products can provide relief for your psoriasis.

2. Phototherapy is the use of UV (ultraviolet) light to treat the skin by carefully exposing it to measured doses. This treatment is used for more severe cases where the skin has not been responsive to topical methods. UV has been identified as a carcinogen and treatment should be closely monitored in a dermatologist's office.

3. Systemic treatments affect the entire body (system) and are used for the most severe cases when more than 10% of a person's body is affected (the palm of the hand equals 1%). These types of drugs can affect how the skin cells grow and shed as well as suppressing the immune system. Serious side effects are possible and should be discussed in depth with your doctor.

Biologic medicines are a new class of drugs that are designed to specifically target the chemicals involved in psoriasis. They are just beginning to be approved for use in treating psoriasis and you should discuss details with your physician.

Another key factor in treating flare-ups is to try and prevent them by managing your stress levels. This can be accomplished in a number of ways by using sports as a means of burning off stress, meditation or yoga to quiet the mind and body, promoting positive and healthy relationships as well as balancing your schedule to maintain a manageable ‘to do’ list. It’s up to you, the individual, to look at your particular situation and identify possible sources of stress and triggers. Did you find yourself faced with a tight deadline for a project that could have been better planned out? Did you say yes to five too many obligations that now have you burning the candle at both ends? Are you playing referee to some family squabble that you really don’t need to be involved in? We often take on more than we can or should in this fast paced world where it’s perceived that more is better. It’s important to remember that you come first and you have to take care of yourself before you can truly be of help to someone else.