Psoriasis symptoms , if not too severe, can be controlled using a combination of coal tar shampoo or creams, various ointments and creams, and vitamin D drugs.
Lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent relapse of psoriasis symptoms
Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious skin condition which can’t be cured. However, symptoms, particularly in mild cases, can be controlled with topical creams, ointments and medication.
“Avoiding triggers such as stress, and leading a healthy lifestyle, can also prevent a relapse of psoriasis symptoms,” says A/Prof Pang Shiu Ming, Senior Consultant from the Department of Dermatology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.
Treating psoriasis
Mild and moderate psoriasis can be treated with:
More severe psoriasis may require treatment with phototherapy using ultraviolet light 2-3 times a week for a period of several weeks to several months. Phototherapy can produce side effects such as dryness and burns on the skin, and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Although phototherapy with ultraviolet light is used in the treatment of psoriasis, you are advised to take care to protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun.
Persistent psoriasis may require oral and/or injectable medication as well as topical creams and ointments. Since oral and injectable medication presents risks to internal organs such as the kidney and liver as well as the immune system, this psoriasis treatment needs to be closely monitored.
“Psoriasis treatment involving oral and injectable medication and phototherapy can have side effects and the patient needs to be monitored with regular blood tests and follow-up visits,” says A/Prof Pang.
Ref: L20
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