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
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting joints and causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Symptoms can vary widely, including swollen fingers and toes, lower back pain, and nail changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing PsA effectively. Treatment options often include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to reduce inflammation, and biologics tailored to target specific inflammatory pathways. Patients should also consider lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can significantly alleviate symptoms.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes in Treatment Success
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes play a vital role in managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Regular physical activity can help maintain joint function and reduce stiffness, while a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may improve overall health and skin condition. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can also be beneficial, as stress is known to trigger flare-ups. Furthermore, avoiding known triggers, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, is essential for achieving better treatment outcomes and improving the quality of life for individuals living with these conditions.
Emerging Treatments and Future Directions
Recent research has led to the development of innovative treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, including newer biologics and targeted therapies. These options aim to provide more effective and personalized care by targeting specific immune pathways involved in these diseases. The advent of oral medications, such as JAK inhibitors, presents a promising alternative for patients who may not respond to traditional therapies. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials continue to explore various combinations of existing treatments and novel agents, paving the way for improved management strategies that may enhance long-term outcomes for patients.
Patient Support and Advocacy Resources
Living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be challenging, but numerous support networks and advocacy organizations are available to help patients navigate their journey. The National Psoriasis Foundation provides a wealth of resources, including educational materials, support groups, and access to healthcare professionals specializing in these conditions. Additionally, local chapters often host events that foster community engagement and provide opportunities for patients to share experiences. Engaging with these resources can empower patients, promote awareness, and facilitate access to the latest treatments and research, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.