Psoriasis Management: Current Treatments and Initial Steps for the Newly Diagnosed
Receiving a diagnosis of psoriasis can be overwhelming and unsettling. Suddenly, you find yourself grappling with a chronic condition that affects your skin, and possibly your emotional well-being. But remember, you are not alone on this journey. With the right information and support, taking care of psoriasis can become a manageable part of your life. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the initial stages of your diagnosis and consider all your treatment options, including the possibility of joining a clinical trial.
Understanding a Psoriasis Diagnosis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to red, thickened patches covered with silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, can be itchy and painful, and they may appear anywhere on your body, including your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. The exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood, but genetics and the immune system may play significant roles.
Steps to Take After Diagnosis
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Take the time to learn about psoriasis—its symptoms, triggers, and available treatments. Reliable sources like medical websites, patient advocacy organizations, and your healthcare provider can provide valuable information.
- Build a Support Network: Share your diagnosis with close friends and family members who can offer emotional support. Connecting with others who have psoriasis through support groups or online forums can also provide a sense of community and understanding.
- Consult a Dermatologist: A dermatologist specializes in treating skin conditions and can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. They will assess the severity of your psoriasis and discuss various treatment options, such as topical creams, oral medications, phototherapy (light therapy), and biologic therapies.
- Develop Healthy Habits: Lifestyle changes may help manage psoriasis symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, avoiding triggers such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and practicing good skincare can all contribute to better skin health.
- Consider Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or medications before they are made widely available. Participating in a clinical trial allows you to access cutting-edge treatments and contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge. Your dermatologist can help you explore clinical trial opportunities and determine if you are eligible to participate. Visit our Psoriasis Clinical Trials page to view studies that are currently enrolling participants.
Current Treatments for Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies. Here are some of the most common treatment options available today:
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are usually the first line of defense in managing mild to moderate psoriasis. These treatments are applied directly to the skin and include:
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce swelling and redness and are available in various strengths.
- Vitamin D Analogues: These synthetic forms of vitamin D slow down the growth of skin cells. Calcipotriene and calcitriol are common examples.
- Topical Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids help normalize DNA activity in skin cells and reduce inflammation. Tazarotene is a commonly used topical retinoid.
- Coal Tar: This treatment can reduce scaling, itching, and inflammation. It's available in creams, shampoos, and bath solutions.
- Salicylic Acid: This ingredient helps remove scales and smooth the skin.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision. This treatment is often used for moderate to severe psoriasis and includes:
- UVB Phototherapy: Also known as broadband UVB, it involves exposing the skin to UVB light.
- Narrowband UVB Therapy: A more specific form of UVB treatment that is often more effective and requires fewer sessions.
- PUVA (Psoralen + UVA): This combines a drug called psoralen with UVA light to make the skin more responsive to the light therapy.
- Excimer Laser: This type of laser treatment targets specific areas of the skin affected by psoriasis.
Systemic Treatments
For moderate to severe psoriasis, systemic treatments—taken orally or by injection—may be necessary. These include:
- Methotrexate: This drug suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells.
- Cyclosporine: Another immunosuppressant, cyclosporine is effective in reducing symptoms but requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
- Oral Retinoids: Acitretin is an example of an oral retinoid that helps reduce the speed of skin cell growth.
- Biologics: These are advanced medications that target specific parts of the immune system. Common biologics for psoriasis include adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab. They are usually administered by injection or intravenous infusion.
- Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors: Apremilast is an oral medication that helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-4.
Joining a Clinical Trial
Participating in a clinical trial is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Benefits: Clinical trials may provide access to new treatments not yet available to the public. You will also receive close medical supervision and monitoring throughout the trial.
- Risks: There are potential risks associated with participating in clinical trials, such as side effects from the experimental treatment or procedures. It's important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and weigh them against the potential benefits.
- Informed Consent: Before joining a clinical trial, you will be provided with detailed information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant. Take the time to review this information carefully and ask any questions you may have.
- Commitment: Clinical trials require a commitment of time and effort. You will need to adhere to the study protocol, which may involve regular visits to the study site and adherence to specific guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a diagnosis of psoriasis is the beginning of a journey towards understanding and managing your condition. By educating yourself, seeking support, and exploring all treatment options—including clinical trials—you can take proactive steps towards achieving clearer skin and improving your quality of life. Remember, your dermatologist is there to guide you every step of the way. Stay informed, stay positive, and remember that there is hope and help available.