Find relief: investigate a new psoriasis treatment
Psoriasis is an exasperating condition characterized by patches of scaly, itchy skin. It is thought to be a disease of the immune system for which there is no cure. Psorasis causes people to suffer greatly with itching, burning and inflammation. Another particularly unpleasant aspect of psoriasis is that the lesions are unsightly, which causes the sufferer to feel self-conscious. There are new
treatments for psoriasis, though, thanks to modern science. Sometimes an alternative psoriasis treatment, such as a natural ointment with herbs, offers relief from itching, too. One new psoriasis treatment is a drug named Raptiva. Another new treatment is the topical medication, Tazorac.
Raptiva is a drug that targets the T cells in the blood, blocking them from moving into the skin. Psoriasis causes the skin cells to multiply too rapidly, forming excess dead skin cells, which create the scaly patches. When the T cells are blocked, it slows down this rate of growth, thus improving the condition. Raptiva is administered through injections and must be used for a long time. While shots are no fun, for many sufferers of the intense itching of psoriasis, the treatment is worth it.
Tazorac is a topical medication made from a derivative of vitamin A that slows the skin cell growth. It comes in a gel and in a cream form, the cream treatment being suited for people with dry or sensitive skin. It is used sparingly once a day about a half hour before going to bed. If the medication touches the healthy skin near the lesion it can cause burning. For this reason, some patients us a zinc oxide cream to protect the area surrounding the lesion. Tarzorac will cause the lesion to redden at first, but the medication should end the itching and burning.
Although there is no cure, quite often a suitable treatment can provide relief
While many new and old products can be used to treat psoriasis, such as corticosteroid cream, tar cream, and cream with salicylic acid, there is not a cure. However, a suitable treatment can provide relief. In some cases, ultraviolet light therapy is used as an alternative treatment, often along with an oral medication. Some over the counter natural ointments do a good job of healing lesions. Natural ingredients to look for in a salve include myrrh resin, chickweed, golden seal, comfrey, and pau d'arco herb. One such topical cream is called PSO/VRL and is produced by Michael's Naturopathic Programs.