Psoriasis can creep up on you very silently. It can develop in the form of small, itchy patches that disrupt your daily life. It’s natural for you to look for quick-acting treatment that won’t take months to work. Moreover, prompt and effective treatment will also help you maintain the health of your skin in the future.
Read this blog to learn about the different psoriasis treatment options and how they can help your skin heal.
Quick-Acting Psoriasis Treatments: What Works Fast?
Topical creams, ointments, or foams placed directly onto the skin can reduce inflammation. Here are some treatment options;
- Topical Corticosteroids: They can reduce redness, swelling, and itching. They come in different strengths and forms, such as foams, gels, and sprays, and may produce visible improvement within a few weeks. `
- Vitamin D Analogues: Laboratory-created vitamin D forms, including calcipotriol, maintain skin cell growth and immune function. They may not work as fast as steroids by themselves, but can hasten clearing and lower side effects.
- Salicylic Acid: This product softens and facilitates the removal of thick scales caused by psoriasis, allowing other medications to penetrate more effectively.
Light Therapy: Quick Relief From Psoriasis
When topical creams don’t work, phototherapy provides a potent solution. This form of psoriasis treatment in Alexandria exposes affected skin to regulated ultraviolet (UV) light, increasing cell turnover and decreasing inflammation.
- Narrowband UVB Therapy: This is the standard light therapy. It treats psoriasis plaques with a precise UV wavelength. Sessions are usually done two or three times per week, and bring improvements within weeks.
- Excimer Laser: For isolated spots, excimer laser therapy applies intense UVB light to individual patches.
- PUVA (Psoralen + UVA): Mixing a light-sensitizing medication with UVA light, PUVA penetrates deeper and may be highly effective, particularly in extreme cases. I
New Topical Options: Fast and Steroid-Free
New treatments are revolutionizing psoriasis treatment to provide fast relief without steroids:
- Roflumilast Cream: Roflumilast is a PDE-4 inhibitor that blocks inflammation and can be applied once daily, offering a steroid-free option with great speed and safety.
- Tapinarof: Approved for plaque psoriasis, this topical activates skin receptors to calm inflammation and normalize skin growth. It’s safe for sensitive areas and suitable for long-term use.
Can Systemic Treatments Help?
Oral or injectable meds can act on your entire body for severe to moderate psoriasis. Although these can provide dramatic responses, they usually take longer to start working compared to light or topical therapies.
On the other hand, biologics-targeted immune modulators can at times exhibit effects as early as within weeks.
Tips to Enhance Treatment Speed
Here are some tips to enhance the results of psoriasis treatment. However, do consult a dermatologist before trying them for yourself:
- Combine Therapies: Topical medications combined with phototherapy can enhance your treatment outcomes.
- Stick to the Routine: Consistency is key. Skipping doses or sessions can delay your progress.
- Moisturize Generously: Keeping skin hydrated helps reduce scaling and supports healing.
- Avoid Triggers: Stress, smoking, and certain medications can worsen psoriasis and slow recovery.
Determining the quickest treatment for psoriasis is based on your case. For most people, steroids, topical medications, and light therapy provide the fastest route to clearer skin. Recent steroid-free creams can provide you with additional choices.
Are you ready to calm your inflamed skin? Schedule a consultation with a dermatologist today!
