Psoriasis Management: Effective Strategies for Clearer Skin

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, which leads to scaling, inflammation, and redness. This condition affects more than 8 million Americans and approximately 125 million people worldwide. It can be incredibly uncomfortable to live with, especially when symptoms spiral unchecked.

While psoriasis is currently incurable, there are treatments that can help. Effective psoriasis management is a must for alleviating symptoms and keeping flare-ups at bay.

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis shows itself as patches of thick, reddened skin with silvery scales. It often pops up on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back and can be extremely uncomfortable to live with.

The exact cause remains unknown, but researchers and medical professionals believe it involves an overactive immune system that accelerates skin cell production. Genetic factors, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices also contribute to the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

In some cases, psoriasis can affect the joints, too, in a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This manifests as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially in the fingers, toes, and knees. It is often accompanied by psoriasis skin lesions, including red, scaly plaques.

How to Achieve Clearer Skin with Psoriasis

Like most skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to achieving clearer skin with psoriasis. Everybody is different, so what works for one person may not work for the next. Oftentimes, it’s a blend of conventional treatments, natural remedies, and lifestyle modifications that work best.

Ultimately, though, the best treatments for psoriasis depend on you. It’s best to see a dermatologist for curated help with your psoriasis. We can help you find what works for you by assessing your situation and creating a personalized treatment plan.

Conventional Treatments for Psoriasis to Achieve Clearer Skin

Over the years, researchers and dermatologists have identified various treatments that are effective in managing psoriasis. Conventional medical treatments your dermatologist may recommend include:

Topical Treatments

These treatments are applied directly to the skin and are often the first line of defense for mild to moderate psoriasis. You might use products like:

• Corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and slow cell turnover
• Vitamin D analogs, which help slow skin cell growth and reduce scaling
• Retinoids, which normalize DNA activity in skin cells to reduce inflammation and excessive cell production
• Calcineurin inhibitors, which reduce inflammation and plaque buildup
• Salicylic acid and coal tar, which help soften and remove scales for easier skin shedding

Phototherapy

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision can slow cell turnover and reduce scaling and inflammation. Narrowband UVB light exposure, PUVA therapy, and excimer laser therapy, a targeted form of UVB light treatment, have shown promising results for reducing psoriasis symptoms.

Systemic Medications

In severe cases, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or injectable medications that suppress the immune system. This may include medications like methotrexate, which reduces inflammation and slows skin cell growth, or cyclosporine, which suppresses the immune system to control psoriasis symptoms.

Biologic drugs, which target specific immune responses to prevent inflammation, including TNF-alpha inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors, may also be used. Oral retinoids, such as acitretin, may also be used, as they’re effective for severe plaque psoriasis.

Natural Psoriasis Treatments Clearer Skin

In addition to conventional treatments, you may find it helpful to incorporate certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes, such as:

Aloe Vera

Topical application of aloe vera has been shown to reduce redness and scaling in some psoriasis patients. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin, making it a good choice for people with psoriasis. Look for creams and moisturizers that contain up to 50% aloe.

Stress Management

Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis. So, if you begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed, take a step back and use stress management techniques. For example, you could try yoga, which promotes relaxation and reduces inflammatory markers.

Or, you could try meditation, which helps regulate immune responses. Breathing exercises are another excellent option that can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Moisturizing

Regularly moisturize your skin with a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer approved for sensitive skin. This can help prevent dryness and reduce scaling. Ceramide-based creams, shea butter, and petroleum jelly can be good options.

Avoiding Triggers

You may notice that certain things cause your psoriasis to flare up. These triggers vary from person to person, often including things like specific foods, alcohol, smoking, or environmental factors. One of the best ways to keep your psoriasis in check is by avoiding these triggers, and that starts with identifying them.

If you’re unsure what might be contributing to the problem, keep a daily journal of what you do and consume. If you have a flare-up, mark it in your journal. After a few weeks, look for trends. These can help you figure out what your triggers are.

When to See a Dermatologist

While mild psoriasis is often manageable with over-the-counter treatments and simple lifestyle tweaks, it’s usually a good idea to see a dermatologist if:

• You experience persistent or worsening symptoms: If psoriasis plaques become increasingly severe, covering large parts of your body or causing intense discomfort, consult your dermatologist.
• You experience joint pain or swelling: Psoriasis arthritis can develop in some patients, potentially leading to joint damage if left untreated. In these situations, early diagnosis is crucial.
• It’s not improving with at-home treatments: If natural remedies and topical treatments don’t seem to help, you might need a stronger prescription. You can get these from your dermatologist.
• It’s affecting your emotional or psychological health: Psoriasis can do a number on self-esteem and mental health. In these situations, a dermatologist can help you find solutions that work and refer you to support groups or counseling services if needed.
• You’re experiencing new or unusual symptoms: If your psoriasis suddenly worsens, pops up in new areas, or starts causing serious pain, seeking medical attention is important to rule out infections or underlying conditions.

A dermatologist can assess your condition, help you identify triggers, and recommend tailored treatments to help you achieve the best results possible with minimal side effects.

Get Personalized Assistance with Your Psoriasis

Managing psoriasis effectively typically requires a comprehensive approach that blends medical treatments with lifestyle modifications. If you’re experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, it’s a good idea to chat with a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can help you create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

If you’re searching for a dermatologist near you to help you with psoriasis management in Minnesota, Clarus Dermatology is here to help. We have multiple locations throughout Minnesota, including one in Maple Grove and another in New Brighton, to see to your dermatological needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Minnesota psoriasis dermatologist team.