Non-systemic Psoriasis therapies
The two main options are topical therapies (treatments that are applied directly to the skin) and phototherapy (treatment with ultraviolet light).12
Topical therapies are applied directly to the skin. Options include: emollients (moisturisers); topical steroids; tar preparations; dithranol; vitamin D analogues and vitamin A analogues. Medicated shampoos and lotions are also available to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Topical therapies are usually the first line treatment for psoriasis and may be sufficient to treat mild or moderate forms of the condition.
Phototherapy takes the form of exposure to two types of ultraviolet light (UVA or UVB) using special light machines under medical supervision. PUVA is a specific treatment combining exposure to UVA light with psoralens (chemicals that are either applied to the skin or taken in tablet form to make the skin more sensitive to UV light). Phototherapy is usually only available in specialist skin departments.
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