Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are complex, chronic autoimmune conditions affecting millions of Americans. With recent advancements, there are now more effective therapies and integrated care options than ever for both skin and joint symptoms. Hereโs what you need to know about current treatments, specialists, and pain relief approaches.
Psoriasis Treatment Overview
๐. ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ฌ
Best for: Mild to moderate psoriasis (including plaque psoriasis).
Common options: Corticosteroid creams/ointments, vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, coal tar preparations, PDE4 inhibitors, and moisturizers.
Usage: Applied directly to affected areas to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
๐. ๐๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฒ (๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฒ)
Types: Narrowband UVB (preferred for plaque), broadband UVB, PUVA (UVA with psoralens), excimer laser/light.
Best for: Moderate to severe psoriasis, widespread plaques, or those who don't respond to topicals.
How it works: Controlled exposure to UV light slows rapid skin cell production.
๐. ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ & ๐๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
Oral Systemics: Methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine, and newer PDE4 (apremilast) or TYK2 inhibitors.
Biologics: Injectable medications targeting specific immune pathways (TNF inhibitors, IL-17, IL-12/23, IL-23). Examples: adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), secukinumab (Cosentyx), guselkumab (Tremfya).
Who needs them: Moderate to severe disease, psoriatic arthritis, or non-responsive to other treatments.
Note: All require close monitoring by a specialist due to potential side effects and infection risk.
๐๐ฅ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
Most common form of psoriasis (80โ90% of cases) causing thick, red patches with silvery scales.
Best results: A combination of topical steroids, vitamin D analogues, phototherapy, and (when needed) systemics or biologics.
OTC help: Moisturizers, coal tar shampoos, mild hydrocortisone cream can reduce itch and scale for some
Find a Specialist
National: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, NYU Langone, Northwestern Medicine, and most academic medical centers have multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinics.
Use the National Psoriasis Foundation's directory for experienced local rheumatologists and dermatologists: https://www.psoriasis.org/health-care-team
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ฌ
Mayo Clinic Psoriasis Treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845
National Psoriasis Foundation Treatment Guide: https://www.psoriasis.org/treatment-and-care/
American Academy of Dermatology Psoriasis Guidelines: https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/psoriasis
NIH Psoriasis Treatment: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
Cleveland Clinic Plaque Psoriasis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22842-plaque-psoriasis
Arthritis Foundation PsA Treatment: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/treatment-options-for-psoriatic-arthritis