New Psoriasis Treatment Gives Sufferers Hope

Over the last decade or so, recent research combined with the latest technologies have come up with and fine-tuned some exciting new methods of treatment for psoriasis.  UV radiation, tonsilectomy, immunosuppressives, vitamins, and antibodies all offer hope to people with this chronic condition.  Many of the effects of psoriasis (the itching, the redness, the scales) have been reduced with the help of these medical breakthroughs.

UV Radiation

New developments in this radiation treatments beyond PUVA have been tested and proven most effective.  PUVA has been around for a quarter of a century, but recent variations are surpassing this treatment.  While PUVA is not recommended for young people, UVB phototherapy is safe.  UVB phototherapy is a narrow-band treatment that has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in as little as two months.

Tonsilectomy

Plenty of children suffer from psoriasis as the result of strep or infection.  By removing the lymph tissue of the tonsils, some have seen rashes completely disappear.  A tonsilectomy is a simple procedure that also can take care of other childhood problems, such as frequent sore throat, redness and scratchiness in the throat, and similar symptoms.

Immunosuppressives

Immunosuppressives are designed to slow down the abilities of the immune system.  By interfering with the activation of T cells, they can hinder the effects of psoriasis by penetrating lesions on the skin.  Cyclosporin, FK506 (AKA Prograf), SDZASM981, A86281, and SDZ281240 are a few drugs that are creating a buzz.  Because the side effects of current immunosuppressives is sometimes severe, it is generally used as one of the last resorts.

Vitamins

Both vitamins A and D can help send psoriasis into remission.  Though side effects vary, the results can be amazing at times.  For example, calcitriol (a potent topical form of vitamin D) resulted in 84% improvement according to the British Journal of Dermatology.  Children as young as 2 can safely take variations of vitamin D (calcipotriol).  Vitamin A hasn’t been quite as effective.  In fact, early tests showed that Vitamin A may wind up only being useful for treating acne.  However, more recent products have been much more promising.  It is less expensive than other treatments, so researchers are particularly hopeful of this vitamin.

Conclusion

More than likely the most effective treatment will end up being a combination of the methods listed above.  Only a psoriasis expert can tell you exactly what the best treatment will be for you or your loved one.  Go check with a professional and if necessary get a second opinion.  There’s no need going through life plagued with the symptoms of psoriasis.  There’s no present cure, but treatments can send psoriasis into long-term intervals of remisssion.  You owe it to yourself to find out the facts.