Overcoming common psoriasis treatment challenges

Medication Management

 

Psoriasis treatment may come with many challenges. But you don't have to let that stop you from living well with psoriasis. There are things you can do if you face problems with psoriasis treatment.

Problem: I am experiencing side effects.
Side effects are possible with any medication, including psoriasis medications. Many side effects go away as you continue using the treatment. For most side effects, you do not have to stop taking the medication. There are ways to manage the side effects. For example, for sun sensitivity, it's important to prevent a reaction from occurring. If you are going outside, apply sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 to skin; wear sunglasses; and cover up with a hat, long sleeves, and pants.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on ways to manage side effects, and always let them know if any side effects are bothersome or do not go away.

Problem: The medication does not seem to be working.
There are a variety of reasons why a medication may not seem to be working. First, double check that you are using your medication properly. Psoriasis medication will work best when used exactly as your doctor recommended. If you miss doses or miss sessions (if you are using light therapy or biologics that require you to go into your doctor's office), your psoriasis treatment will not work as well. If you are having trouble using your medication, talk to your doctor.

The medication may also seem to not be working because it may not be the most appropriate therapy for you. Every person's psoriasis is different, and so your doctor must consider many factors when recommending a treatment such as how severe your psoriasis is - moderate or severe psoriasis is treated differently than mild psoriasis. It may take a few tries before you find something that works for you. Don't give up. Talk to your doctor about your psoriasis treatment options.

Problem: I am not getting the results I expected.
It can be disappointing when your psoriasis treatment doesn't give you the results you want. It's important to talk to your doctor about what you expect from treatment. Talk to your doctor about psoriasis treatment.

You can also ask your doctor for a referral to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors with specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, and hair conditions. Dermatologists who specialize in psoriasis have extensive knowledge of psoriasis treatment options. Ask your doctor to help you find a dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Overcoming-Common-Psoriasis-Treatment-Challenges