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Learn more about psoriasis.
| x No Treatment |
x Complementary & Alternative Treatments |
x Topical Treatments |
x Light Treatments |
x Systemic Treatments |
x Biologic Treatments |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it and how does it work? |
No TreatmentPsoriasis can clear or flare up on its own over time. You can choose to wait and see if your psoriasis clears. |
Complementary TreatmentsThere are many types of supplements and herbal options. Some do not have strong enough research to list here. Talk to your doctor about other treatments you would like to try. Some research has been found for these treatments:
|
Topical TreatmentsThese are treatments applied to the skin. They slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. They come as lotions, gels, creams, and foams. |
Light TreatmentsThese treatments involve shining light on the skin. They slow skin cell growth. These are often done in a clinic. Some can be done at home with personal light kits. |
Systemic TreatmentsThese are treatments taken by mouth. (One, called Methotrexate, can also be taken by injection). They travel through your blood stream and affect different parts of your body. Some of these treatments slow shedding and growth of skin cells. Others reduce inflammation. |
Biologic TreatmentsBiologics are drugs that bind to the proteins which affect psoriasis. These treatments are given through injection or intravenous infusion (IV). |
| What types are there? |
No TreatmentNone. |
Complementary Treatments
|
Topical Treatments
These can be used alone, or with other topical or systemic treatments. |
Light Treatments
|
Systemic Treatments
These can be used alone or with other treatments. |
Biologic Treatments
|
| Who is this for? |
No TreatmentAnyone with psoriasis can choose no treatment. |
Complementary TreatmentsAnyone with psoriasis. |
Topical TreatmentsMild to moderate psoriasis. |
Light TreatmentsAnyone with psoriasis. Often used if topical treatments have not worked. |
Systemic TreatmentsModerate to severe psoriasis. |
Biologic TreatmentsYou may not be able to use some of these treatments if you
Talk to your doctor to find out if any of these treatments are right for you. |
| Who is this not for? |
No TreatmentPeople with more severe psoriasis may not want to wait for it to clear on its own. |
Complementary Treatments
Talk to your doctor about your health history to find out if any of these treatments are right for you. |
Topical TreatmentsYou may not be able to take Vitamin D treatments if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you. |
Light TreatmentsThese treatments may not be right for people:
Talk to your doctor to find out if these are right for you. |
Systemic TreatmentsSome people may be allergic or sensitive to these drugs. Some of these treatments should not be taken if you have or have had certain health problems. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you. |
Biologic TreatmentsYou may not be able to use these treatments if you
Talk to your doctor to find out if any of these treatments are right for you. |
| What are the possible side effects? |
No TreatmentWithout treatment psoriasis may get better, worse, or stay the same. Psoriasis can be itchy, uncomfortable, and painful. Some people may feel embarrassed, depressed, or anxious. |
Complementary Treatments
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Topical TreatmentsThere is a low risk of possibly serious side effects. It may irritate your skin where it is applied. Some of these are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. |
Light TreatmentsMost have no serious side effects. They may irritate your skin or make you sensitive to sun. PUVA has been linked to skin cancers. PUVA may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. |
Systemic TreatmentsSome risk of serious side effects. Other mild side effects can include discomfort, stomach ache, hair changes, and dry skin, lips and eyes. Some are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. |
Biologic TreatmentsThere is some risk of serious and non-serious side effects. You may have irritation or reactions at the injection site. Many of these treatments may be safe during pregnancy. They may not be safe while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor to find out if these treatments are right for you. |
| Will it inconvenience me? |
No TreatmentChoosing no treatment does not take effort and is not inconvenient. Until psoriasis clears, some may have pain, embarrassment, depression, or anxiety. |
Complementary Treatments
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Topical TreatmentsTopical treatments are less practical when psoriasis covers a lot of skin or is hard to reach. It may be time consuming to apply on a regular basis. |
Light TreatmentsMost need to be done by a health professional at a clinic. It might be hard for people to visit the clinic often. For home treatments, it may be hard to use on a regular basis. |
Systemic TreatmentsThese treatments need to be taken daily or weekly. They are usually a pill but can also be an injection. |
Biologic TreatmentsThese treatments use needles and may involve regular visits to a clinic. With some treatments, you can give yourself injections at home after practice at a clinic. You will still need to visit a clinic for check-ups. Infliximab is given by IV and so must be given by a health professional. |
| How much does it cost? |
No TreatmentNo cost. |
Complementary Treatments
|
Topical TreatmentsPrices vary depending on the treatment and how much of your skin has psoriasis. They may range from $200 - $2,400 USD/year. Corticosteroids can be as cheap as $10. |
Light TreatmentsPrices vary by the type and number of treatments needed. They typically range around $300 - $600 USD/year, or $600 - $2,300 for home devices. |
Systemic TreatmentsPrices vary by the drug and how much of your skin has psoriasis. They typically range from $200 - $11,300 USD/year. Apremilast can cost as much as $33,700. |
Biologic TreatmentsThese treatments can range from $32,000 - $135,000 USD/year. |
References can be found here. Many of these treatments are also available in other regions. Talk to your doctor to find out what is available for you.
Last Updated: August 2020 with support from the Canadian Psoriasis Network