Tired of dealing with psoriasis flare-ups? There may be something you can do to help! With psoriasis treatments that work to suppress the immune system, you can reduce your chance of developing psoriasis plaques, as well as symptoms such as pain and itching. The best psoriasis medications like Humira that are designed to alter the immune system, can be taken regularly to potentially stop flare-ups or at the very least reduce their frequency. While no medication can cure psoriasis, that doesn’t mean you should give up treating it. By reducing flare-ups, you can increase your physical and emotional well-being, so you can enjoy life again without being under the constant duress of a flare-up. If you want to learn more about the best psoriasis treatments for reducing the frequency of flare-ups, read on to learn more.
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that causes the body to regenerate skin cells faster than it can shed the old ones. In treating this condition, medications that reduce psoriasis symptoms are designed to slow the process of skin cell regrowth, so that skin has a chance to regrow and shed normally. To do this, medications must slow down the immune system. Because living in pain can affect your overall well-being, medications like Humira can help you feel better physically and mentally. While this will make you more vulnerable to infection, it will relieve the constant pain associated with psoriasis plaques. Generally, the benefits of medications are thought to outweigh the risks of infection, but you can discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned.
As one of the best injectable psoriasis medications available, Humira does a lot for psoriasis patients but it doesn’t work miracles. While Humira can’t cure psoriasis, it can manage it, thereby reducing the frequency of symptoms in many patients. Known under its generic name as adalimumab, Humira slows the immune system by blocking TNF proteins that cause psoriasis inflammation. It must be taken as often as once per week but sometimes just once every two weeks. As an injectable, side effects are typical, including pain and redness at the injection site. Taking the medication as directed can provide you with long-term relief from psoriasis flare-ups.
Other than the generic form of the drug which is exactly the same, there is another drug called Enbrel (generic: etanercept) that also blocks TNF proteins. Like Humira, Enbrel is administered under the skin. It can be used with other immunosuppressant drugs like Rheumatrex that suppresses the immune system and slows down skin cell production, so that skin can grow normally. Enbrel must be taken once or twice per week and if you stop taking the medication, it will stop working within the month. Side effects include nausea, stomach ache, drowsiness, and dizziness. Your doctor can help you find the best psoriasis medication for your needs.
Cyclosporine is such an effective drug for suppressing the immune system that it is actually used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Cyclosporine drugs like Gengraf and Neoral, can also be used for treating severe psoriasis. While it is only meant for short term, it may be effective if you feel a flare-up starting. While long-term treatment is possible, this increases the risk of kidney damage.
One of the best long-term solutions for psoriasis flare-ups is Remicade, because it doesn’t require a daily pill that you can easily forget. With Remicade, the medication is delivered intravenously under the supervision of a doctor. While at first you only need to take the medication after two weeks, you’ll only need to take it every six weeks, and after that, just once every eight weeks. Headache and upset stomach are common symptoms.
If you hate needles like most people, Otezla can provide you with relief from flare-ups but without any injections. Capable of providing 75% clearer skin in just four months, Otezla is a psoriasis medication option that provides incredibly effective results for patients who experience moderate or severe psoriasis flare-ups. FDA tested and approved, Otezla biologically alters the immune system in order to prevent flare-ups and keep the skin smooth. Upset stomach is common when taking this medication at first, but these side effects usually go away.
Stelara works by targeting multiple proteins that contribute to flare-ups including interleukin-12 and interleukin-23. Decreasing plaques in patients with plaque psoriasis, it can reduce the severity of flare-ups although it may not stop them altogether. Abdominal discomfort may occur when taking the medication. It also comes with a significantly increased risk of infection which may be a problem for some patients.
One of the few medications available called Taltz may be able to do exactly that. In its clinical studies, four out of ten patients noticed they had completely clear skin after taking it. By blocking interleukin-17A, a protein that causes inflammation, you can prevent psoriasis flare-ups. In the form of an auto-injector, it’s easier to take than other injectables like Cosentyx, but it still comes with the same risk of irritation at the injection site. Take Taltz exactly as directed by a doctor and you may see better results than with other drugs for treating psoriasis.