How to Treat Psoriasis

Treat psoriasis by visiting a dermatologist or general practitioner. Therapies for psoriasis include light treatments, prescription medications and others known as biologics, which are produced from living organisms. Reducing your stress levels and protecting your skin in extreme climates may also help. 

1. See a doctor. Your general practitioner may recommend a dermatologist who can examine your skin and diagnose the condition.

2. Speak to the dermatologist about possible treatments. Although no cures have been found for psoriasis, researchers have made progress in developing treatments, such as light therapies and medications to decrease the discomfort. 

3. Discuss any concerns about the medication with the dermatologist. Cortisone treatments can cause skin thinning, so you will want to discuss alternatives with your doctor if this is a concern. 

4. Monitor your stress levels. Psoriasis can be triggered by stress. Integrate stress reduction strategies into your daily life. Meditation, deep breathing, listening to relaxing music and other strategies can be utilized to lower the incidence of a flare up.

5. Examine the relationship between taking medications and a recurring case of psoriasis. You may be taking other medications that lead to the irritation of this skin condition. If so, discuss alternatives with your doctor.

6. Pay close attention to external factors. Extreme weather conditions may be leading to greater flare ups. Wear gloves in extremely cold weather to protect the skin.

7. Keep a journal to track your condition. By writing down the incidences of psoriasis and other factors, such as stressful events, medications and weather patterns, you may be able to detect correlations between your skin condition and other factors in your life.