Psoriasis, which is commonly thought just as a skin condition is a chronic, proliferative, and inflammatory skin disease of the immune system, which if not treated in time can be associated with psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular dysfunctioning, Type 2 diabetes and more. The good news, however, it is not difficult to find the right treatment for Psoriasis.

Of the several available treatments available, methotrexate, oral retinoids, and ciclosporin are the treatment for Psoriasis..The available treatments can only relieve the symptoms and pain. Depending on the patient’s general health, age, the severity of the pathology, comorbidities and affected body parts, the most appropriate treatment is chosen. New findings on the immunologic factors have discovered new drugs which are more effective than traditional therapies.

Anti-TNF-α Treatments

Psoriasis patients contain a high amount of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). This is what causes the inflammation. Production of cytokines is stimulated with TNF-α and thus increasing the recruitment of immune cells. With Anti-TNF-α, TNF-α is captured and blocks the production of cytokines, reducing the interaction between immune cells and keratinocytes.

Presently, there are three TNF-α inhibitors which are used in the treatment for Psoriasis.. The neutralization of the TNF-α prevents its interaction with receptors TNFR1.

A recombinant human TNF-α receptor fusion protein is Etanercept which neutralizes soluble TNF-α. This, when used twice per week reduces psoriatic inflammation.

Adalimumab is another humanized monoclonal antibody IgG1 which is used to capture the TNF-α. It is a common treatment for Psoriasis..

Lastly, a recombinant, humanized anti-TNF-α antibody is certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) which is used in phase II of psoriasis.

Anti-T Cells Treatment

Alefacept is a fusion protein, which was developed specifically to modify the inflammatory process caused due to psoriasis, and prevents the T-cell activation. This helps to inhibit the formation of the immunological synapse and consequently prevents the activation and proliferation of T-cells.

Phototherapy

Also known as light therapy, Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision on a periodic basis. National Psoriasis Foundation, however, does not support the use of indoor tanning beds in place of phototherapy. Indoor tanning increases the risk of melanoma by more than 60% and is not as effective as UVB phototherapy. Combining UVB with systemic therapies can give miraculous results.

A more economical and convenient treatment for Psoriasis. is through home UVB phototherapy. Before installing the light unit at home, check whether your insurance covers the phototherapy equipment.

Psoralen + UVA (PUVA), also known as PUVA treatment is an effective treatment for Psoriasis of the palms and soles, plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis.

Nerve Growth Factor Inhibition

Large quantities of neuropeptides are released from the sensory nerve fibers during stress. Nonlesional plaques and psoriatic lesional contain a large amount of nerve growth factor which affects keratinocyte proliferation. CT327 is a topical treatment which works as an NGF receptor blocker.

Herbal remedies to consider

Before going for any kind of medication, it is always wise to consult your doctor because some herbal remedies may react differently with the ongoing medications. Check the pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or mood disorders to avoid any unnecessary side effects.

Try the following herbal remedies for the treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis:

• Apple Cider Vinegar-For age-old long, Apple Cider Vinegar has worked as a disinfectant and can help to relieve scalp itch from psoriasis. Apply it on the scalp regularly for a week by diluting it with water in a 1-to-1 ratio. This prevents the burning sensation of vinegar. Do not use it if there is crack or the skin is bleeding. For those, it suits, the results are visible in a couple of weeks.
• Aloe Vera Gel-Applying the Aloe Vera gel thrice per day to psoriasis affected region reduces the redness and scaling. You can either get the raw gel from the plant or use the ointments available in the shops containing 0.5% aloe. However, taking aloe in tablet form is no way beneficial and has proved to be seriously damaging at times.
• Dead Sea Salts-Add some Epsom salts or as commonly, known as Dead Sea salts in lukewarm bath water and then apply it on the scales. It soothes the itching. Add some moisturizer to it after rinsing the place softly. The results take some time but have been proved helpful.
• Capsaicin-The major ingredient in chili peppers responsible for making them hot is Capsaicin. This, when added with ointments and cream blocks nerve endings and prevents the pain. OTC creams containing capsaicin also help to reduce redness, inflammation and the scaling which is one of the major effects of psoriasis. Some patients, however, suffer a burning sensation from capsaicin ointment. It is better to consult a doctor if the sensation remains.
• Tea tree oil-Known for its antiseptic qualities, tea tree oil can be applied to the place affected by psoriasis. For those suffering from scalp psoriasis find this remedy much helpful. But be careful about it as it might lead to allergy in some cases.