Psoriasis treatment: remedies, ointments and natural options

Psoriasis treatment can be done with the use of anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, which reduce itching and keep the skin properly hydrated.

Exposing the affected area to the sun first thing in the morning or late afternoon without sunscreen also helps control the lesions. However, in more serious cases, phototherapy can be used, which consists of exposure to UVA and UVB rays in dermatological clinics, for the time and frequency determined by the doctor. Find out more details about phototherapy treatment.

Changing your diet is also important to help control psoriasis. In this case, it is recommended to eat more organic foods, with little seasoning and fat, to detoxify the body. The less processed or industrialized foods you eat, the better.

How the treatment is carried out

Depending on the assessment and recommendation of a dermatologist, treatment to treat psoriasis may include:

1. Use of creams or ointments

In cases of mild psoriasis, the use of moisturizing creams or ointments is recommended, as they help to keep the skin moist and hydrated, especially if they are used right after bathing. In addition to being the cheapest option, it is possible to notice improvements in injuries after a week of use.

The most commonly used are:

• Thicker moisturizing creams or Vaseline;
• Creams with vitamin D, tar or retinol;
• Ointments with corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone or clobetasol, for example.

In cases of scalp injuries, it is still possible to use special shampoos. Learn more about how to treat scalp psoriasis.

2. Medications

The medications have anti-inflammatory action and prevent the growth of existing lesions, being used in cases of moderate to severe lesions, according to the dermatologist’s assessment and guidance.

The types of medicines used can be in the form of tablets or injectables:

• Immunosuppressants or immunomodulatorssuch as methotrexate, cyclosporine and apremilast;
• Biological agentswhich are considered the most effective for treatment, such as adalimumab and brodalumab, for example.

This type of treatment should not be carried out during pregnancy due to the risk of affecting the baby, but this decision is up to the doctor, after evaluating the risk/benefit of the treatment for the woman.

Medications that strengthen the immune system can also help fight psoriasis lesions, such as multivitamins, probiotics, propolis, vitamin D supplements, among others.

Learn more about the types of medicines used to treat psoriasis.

3. Use of ultraviolet light

The use of ultraviolet light, also known as phototherapy, helps control skin lesions, as it not only has an anti-inflammatory effect, but also prevents the growth of damaged cells. This treatment is indicated for the most serious lesions, it is done 3 times a week and always monitored by a dermatologist.

Which doctor to consult

The best doctor to guide psoriasis treatment is a dermatologist, who will evaluate skin changes and discuss the different treatment options.

Natural treatments for psoriasis

In addition to conventional treatments, the dermatologist can also suggest other ways to help improve skin lesions.

Watch the video to learn more about alternative treatments for psoriasis:

Food care

Proper nutrition is also a great way to combat psoriasis. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid fatty, very spicy, processed and industrialized foods, giving preference to the consumption of natural, organic raw, cooked or grilled foods in a simple way.

It is also recommended to invest in the consumption of foods rich in omega 3, such as sardines and salmon, and foods rich in beta-carotene, which are all yellow-orange in color, in addition to avoiding all sources of caffeine, such as coffee, black tea, chimarrão, dark chocolate and all peppers. See more about how food helps with psoriasis.

Salt water bath

Seawater bathing along with sun exposure can also be used as a treatment for psoriasis. This is because sea water is rich in mineral salts that help the skin heal.

Cleaning with rufa fish

An alternative treatment for psoriasis is to clean the affected area with the rufa fish, also called doctor fish. This is a species of fish raised in captivity, which feeds on skin damaged by psoriasis. Treatment must be daily and each session lasts, on average, half an hour.

How to undergo treatment through SUS

Many of the proposed treatments have a high cost, as is the case with some medications and phototherapy, however it is possible to access many of them through the SUS. The treatments currently available are:

• Phototherapy;
• Medicines such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, acitretin, dexamethasone;
• Biological agents such as adalimumab, secukinumab, ustekinumab and etanercept.

To access the treatments available free of charge through the SUS, a clinical evaluation and referral by a dermatologist is necessary.