Topical psoriasis treatments like sprays, foams, and shampoos, as well as more advanced gels and ointments, now treat larger or more sensitive areas. They're safer and work better than older meds.
Phototherapy is available in a new form called narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy. It's more focused than other light treatments and has a lower risk of skin cancer. Another approach, called PUVA photochemotherapy, combines ultraviolet A (UVA) light with a drug called psoralen, which makes your skin more sensitive to light.
State-of-the-Art Biologic Medications
Some of the biggest advances have been in this type of drug. Biologics are made from living cells, and they target certain parts of the immune system that play a role in psoriasis.
Heffernan says they're helpful if you have psoriasis on a large area of your skin, or symptoms that greatly affect your day-to-day life.
"Biologics have offered a new long-lasting form of treatment that has been life-changing for many patients," he says.
They've also filled certain blank spots in psoriasis care, Heffernan says. For example, they're safer for women who want to get pregnant than the older drugs. And many biologics treat psoriatic arthritis as well as the skin disease, he says.
