Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment, especially when topical corticosteroids are used. Also, a treatment that works very well in one person may have little effect in another. Thus, doctors commonly use a trial-and-error approach to find a treatment that works, and they may switch treatments periodically (for example, every 12 to 24 months) if resistance or adverse reactions occur. Treatment depends on the location of lesions, their size, the amount of the skin affected, previous response to treatment, and patients’ perceptions about their skin condition and preferences for treatment. In addition, treatment is often tailored to the specific form of the disorder.
Psoriasis Treament
Range of Treatments
From NIH,
Updated August 30, 2006
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Doctors generally
treat psoriasis in steps based on the severity of the disease, the extent
of the areas involved, the type of psoriasis, or the patient’s responsiveness
to initial treatments. This is sometimes called the “1-2-3” approach.
In step 1, medicines are applied to the skin (topical treatment). Step
2 focuses on light treatments (phototherapy). Step 3 involves taking medicines
internally, usually by mouth (systemic treatment).
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