Other treatments
If you have severe psoriasis then you may need hospital based treatment. Phototherapy (light therapy) is commonly used in hospitals. This may involve treatment with UVB light. Another type of phototherapy is called PUVA (Psoralen and Ultra Violet light in the A band). This involves taking tablets (psoralen) which enhances the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin, and then attending hospital for regular sessions under a special light which emits UVA.
Sometimes people with severe psoriasis are given intense courses of treatment using the creams or ointments described above, but in stronger strengths and with special dressings.
If psoriasis is severe and is not helped by the treatments listed above then a powerful medicine which can suppress inflammation is sometimes used. For example, methotrexate, ciclosporin, acitretin, infliximab, etanercept or efalizumab. There is some risk of serious side-effects with these medicines, so they are only used on the advice of a specialist.
Further information and support
The Psoriasis Association, 7 Milton Street, Northampton, NN2 7JG
Tel: 0845 676 0076 Web: www.psoriasis-association.org.uk
Psoriatic Arthropathy Alliance, PO Box 111, St Albans, Herts, AL2 3JQ
Tel: 0870 70 32 12 Web: www.paalliance.org
© EMIS and PIP 2004 Updated: December 2003 CHIQ Accredited
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lessey, about 1 year
could i get some sugestion as to what foods i should eat to help clear the phoriesys ? i was watching a programme on channel 5 that sugested altering my diet will help. yet there is no mention of this on yhour web site ... i find that strange could you sugest something ?
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Vic Moses, about 1 year
Where can I obtain the Green Tea cream shown in a recent article as a treatment for Psoriasis?
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