psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. It causes unpleasant symptoms such as red, sore, flaky, dry skin and, above all, itching. But psoriasis is not just a skin disease.

Typical symptoms of psoriasis

• Burning or sore skin, itching
• Reddened skin areas covered with a layer of silvery scales
• Dry, cracked, easily bleeding skin
• Grooves or depressions (pits) in the nails, thickened nails

The symptoms occur in different recurring attacks. Those with only minor symptoms alternate with phases lasting weeks. Joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis), accompanied by swollen joints and various types of pain, can occur as further symptoms of psoriasis. Other health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes and metabolic syndrome can occur in association with psoriasis.

Treatment options for psoriasis

The treatment of psoriasis is initially directed against the inflammation and is intended to improve the skin's appearance. Medicines and UV light therapy, depending on the form and severity of the disease and the affected areas of skin, are defined as mild therapeutic measures. Stronger medications are only used afterwards and only when necessary.

Topical (external) treatment
Creams and ointments are suitable for mild to moderate cases. They are usually used first to treat psoriasis symptoms. For severe symptoms, these "topical" remedies are often combined with other treatments.

phototherapy (light therapy)
Skin cell changes can be slowed down with natural or artificial UV light, which can reduce flaking and inflammation. Light therapy can be combined well with other treatments - daily sunbathing is the simplest form of light therapy.

In addition, there are various procedures using artificial UV light, which the treating Doctor can prescribe such as:

• UV-8 light therapy with limited light spectrum (UV-8 light) for the treatment of individual psoriasis lesions or large areas of skin
• Psoralen-UVA therapy (PU-VA) with UV-A light combined with an active ingredient that makes the skin more sensitive to light
• Laser therapy with excimer lasers concentrated UV-B radiation is directed to diseased skin areas

These therapies cause side effects ranging from red and dry skin to sunburn reactions and long-term UV damage. They can also lead to skin cancer.

Systemic (internal) treatment
If the symptoms do not improve with external treatment, or in severe cases of psoriasis, medications in the form of tablets or injections can be administered. These include:

• Methotrexate
  This active ingredient is taken as a tablet or injected. It inhibits inflammation and reduces the growth of skin cells. It also stops the progression of psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate - low doses - are considered to be well tolerated. Stomach problems, loss of appetite and fatigue still occur. Constant monitoring of blood values ​​and liver function are necessary during treatment with methotrexate.
  
  
• Cyclosporine
  Ciclosporin suppresses the immune system. It works similarly to methotrexate, but is available to the organism more quickly. Ciclosporin increases the risk of infections and other diseases, such as Cancer. Therefore, it is normally only used for a short period of time. Constant monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function is necessary during treatment with ciclosporin.
  
  
• Retinoids: Active ingredients from this group of drugs are used to treat severe cases of psoriasis. Side effects include dry skin and hair loss.
  
  
• Biologics
  Medicines from this group are usually injected. They alter the immune system. Patients who do not respond to conventional therapies and suffer from joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis) are treated with these drugs. Biologics are used with particular caution because they affect the immune system, which can lead to serious infections. Constant testing for tuberculosis is important when treating with biologics.

Constant skin care

Skin care is an important basis if you want to get psoriasis under control. A daily bath followed by moisturizing are proven care measures. And regular exposure to sunlight in well-dosed amounts can alleviate the symptoms.

The table lists important medicines for external (topical) use: