Psoriasis is known to be an inflammatory skin disorder that is associated with the development of red and itchy patches over the surface of the skin. The U.S National Library of Medicine indicates that this condition is common and mostly affects individuals in the age range of 15 to 35.
It is important to note that this condition does not spread from one person to another. Till date, there is no complete cure for this condition. It can only be treated with medications and herbs, which are helpful in supressing its symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Given below are the best medications that help in the treatment of psoriasis.
Best Treatment For Psoriasis
Dovonex
Dovonex (calcipotriene) is a medication that is considered beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. Drugs.com indicates that this medication is the synthetic type of vitamin D, which can be applied topically to the skin. This helps in promoting growth of the skin cells. This website also states that this medication is utilized for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. It is important to note that you should avoid using this medication over open wounds and irritated skin.
Drugs.com highly advises against using excess calcipotriene. The website recommends using no more than 100 grams in one week. This website also notes that this medication can be applied topically to the skin one or two times daily. This medication may take up to 2 weeks to show results, therefore, it is recommended that you have patience and continue using this medication even if you do not see any improvement initially.
Less serious side effects of Dovonex include itching, redness, dryness as well as peeling of the skin. However, if you experience serious side effects such as hives, facial swelling, shortness of breath or tightening of chest, it is advisable that you seek medical help immediately.
Enbrel
Enbrel is a medication that is used in the treatment of psoriasis. Drugs.com explains that this medication helps in deterring the release of a protein, which is manufactured by the immune system. The immune system of the body is responsible for combatting infections. Drugs.com also notes that this medication is used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis. This website further states that Enbrel is used for treating plaque psoriasis in individuals older than 18 years of age. Before using this medication for treating the symptoms of psoriasis, it is important that you inform your doctor if you suffer from a weakened immune system, epilepsy, nerve disorders, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or have a history of Hepatitis B.
Your physician usually administers this medication in the form of an injection. In certain cases, you may be taught how to use these injections on your own. However, it is important that you fully understand how to administer this injection to yourself, before using it. Mild side effects of Enbrel include headache, nausea, stomach pain, stuffy nose, common cold and vomiting. Serious side effects include night sweats, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, mood swings, numbness and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it is advisable that you seek medical help immediately. If you use certain medications such as anakinra, sulfasalazine, cyclophosphamide or cancer medications, it is advisable that you inform your doctor prior to using this medication for treating psoriasis symptoms.
Humira (adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) is a medication that is used for treating psoriasis symptoms. Drugs.com notes that this medication works by deterring the activity of certain substances that are responsible for triggering inflammation in the body. This website further notes that Humira is used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis and plaque psoriasis.
Before using this medication for treating the symptoms of psoriasis, it is advisable that you inform your physician if you suffer from hepatitis B, congestive heart failure, lupus, allergic reaction to latex rubber or have suffered from an infection recently. Humira is usually administered in the form of an injection, which is given by a physician or can be self-administered as well. However, do not inject yourself with this medication unless you know how to use it in a correct manner.
Neoral
Neoral is a medication that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as psoriasis, notes drugs.com. If you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of Neoral or if you are taking medications such as disulfiram, fluorouracil, orlistat or spironolactone, it is advisable that you abstain from using this medication for treating psoriasis symptoms. This medication should only be taken in doses prescribed by your physician. Drugs.com advises against consuming grapefruit, whether whole or as juice, when using this medication.
It is important that you avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it heightens its side effects. Mild side effects associated with Neoral include coughing, dizziness, flushing, headache, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, runny nose, acne and heartburn. Serious side effects of this medication include deterred vision, yellowing of the eyes or nails, chills, fever, sore throat, mood swings, seizures, black stools and gum disease. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it is important that you seek medical help immediately.
Soriatane
Drugs.com indicates that this medication is used in the treatment of severe psoriasis. The website further adds that this medication is a retinoid; however, the exact working of this medication is not fully understood. If you suffer from liver disease, kidney disorders, extremely high blood pressure or suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of Soriatane, it is important that you abstain from using this medication for treating psoriasis.
Mild side effects associated with Soriatane include hair loss, runny nose, weak nails, peeling of skin, dry eyes, thinning of eyelashes and dry mouth. Serious side effects of this medication include bone pain, swelling of legs, slurred speech, stiffness of joints, loss of appetite, mood swings, blurred vision or yellowing of skin or eyes. If you begin to suffer from these serious side effects, it is important that you seek medical help immediately and stop using this medication.
