Psoriasis Treatment Options
Only you and your dermatologist can pick the psoriasis treatment that is best for you.
There are a variety of effective treatments available, including the following.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, including topical steroids, are medications applied to the skin.
They usually are the first treatment recommended for psoriasis. They work by slowing
down the production of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
Topical steroids can be very effective in helping control mild to moderate psoriasis,
but they usually aren’t recommended as the sole treatment for severe psoriasis.
Phototherapy
With phototherapy, the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light under medical guidance.
Consistent phototherapy sessions can help slow down the production of skin cells
and improve skin symptoms. There are three main types of phototherapy treatment:
- UVB: Exposure to artificial UVB (ultraviolet light B)
- PUVA: Treatment combining a light-sensitizing medication called psoralen with UVA
(ultraviolet light A) exposure
- Laser: Pulsed dye lasers combined with targeted UVB treatment
Systemic Treatments
Systemic medications (affecting the entire body) can help treat moderate to severe
psoriasis in people who have not responded to, or cannot use, other treatments.
Systemic treatments include the prescription medications methotrexate, cyclosporine,
acitretin, and others.
Biologic Treatments, Like HUMIRA
Biologics target a protein in the body called TNF (tumor necrosis factor). They are used to treat moderate and/or severe plaque psoriasis.
In people with psoriasis, too much TNF is produced, causing inflammation
and skin lesions. Biologics help block TNF, decreasing inflammation and improving
skin symptoms.
Visit the About
HUMIRA page to learn how HUMIRA can provide real skin clearance.
HUMIRA: A Biologic for Psoriasis Treatment
HUMIRA is used to treat adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are under the ongoing care of a physician, have the condition in many areas of their body and may benefit from taking injections, pills, or phototherapy.
HUMIRA can work quickly - In clinical trials, many people saw improvement in skin symptoms in 16 weeks.
HUMIRA is not right for everyone. Ask your doctor if HUMIRA may be right for you.