Degrees

Mild to moderate psoriasis is usually treated with topical creams. Moderate to severe psoriasis usually requires more aggressive treatments, such as phototherapy, systemic drugs and biologic drugs.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy options include ultraviolet light B (UVB) and psoralen and UVA (PUVA), a light and medication combination. Both treatments can lead to side effects such as reddening, itching and swelling. Psoralen can also cause nausea.

Systemic Drugs

Cyclosporine acts to suppress the immune system to slow down the growth of certain cells, but can have dangerous side effects over time. Methotrexate, a common chemotheraphy drug, slows the rapid growth of skin cells to keep psoriasis under control. Acitretin is a man-made form of vitamin A that also inhibits skin cell growth.

Biologic Drugs

Biologic drugs come from special proteins and are used intravenously to target specific parts of the immune system. They include Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Raptiva, Remicade, Simponi and Stelara. All carry serious risks of side effects and are for moderate to severe systemic psoriasis, rather than just skin outbreaks.

Combination Treatments

Patients who opt for more aggressive psoriasis treatments need to be monitored closely. They should work with their dermatologist and rheumatologist to determine which combination of treatments is the most safe and effective for them.

Source:

National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis Cure Now: Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Resource:

National Psoriasis Foundation: Types of Psoriasis

Psoriatric Cure Now: Psoriatic Arthritis Info Center