Psoriasis Treatment

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

A dermatologist usually diagnoses psoriasis by examining the scalp, skin, and nails, and reviewing the symptoms and medical history of the patient. The doctor may ask about previous flare-ups, family history and symptoms such as joint pain or stiffness.

In most cases, additional tests are not required. A small skin biopsy may occasionally be performed when the diagnosis is unclear or another skin condition needs to be ruled out. Patients with joint symptoms may also be assessed for psoriatic arthritis.

How is Psoriasis Treated Based on Severity?

The table below outlines the recommended treatment approach for psoriasis based on disease severity:

Types of Psoriasis and Their Treatment

Depending on the type, severity, and area of skin affected, the treatment of psoriasis can vary. The following table summarises the treatment for different types of psoriasis:

Topical Treatments for Psoriasis

For mild to moderate psoriasis, doctors may prescribe topical medicines to be applied directly to the affected skin. Medicines prescribed by doctors include:

Other Treatments for Psoriasis

For moderate to severe or persistent psoriasis, doctors may recommend phototherapy, biologic therapy, excimer laser or combination therapy if topical or oral medicines do not provide adequate relief. Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet (UV) light to slow excessive skin cell growth, while biologic therapies target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis. Excimer laser delivers targeted UV light to localised psoriasis patches. 

In some cases, doctors may combine two or more treatments to improve results and reduce side effects. Patients with psoriatic arthritis may also require systemic or biologic medicines under the care of a dermatologist and rheumatologist. 

Oral Medications for Psoriasis Treatment

Oral medicines may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis that does not respond to topical treatments. These medicines require medical supervision and may include:

• Methotrexate: Helps reduce inflammation and slow excessive skin-cell growth and may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis.

• Cyclosporine: Suppresses certain immune responses and may provide relatively rapid control in selected patients with severe psoriasis.

• Acitretin: An oral retinoid that may be used for severe or specific forms of psoriasis. It requires strict precautions regarding pregnancy.

• Apremilast: Reduces the activity of some inflammatory enzymes in the body, and it may be prescribed if you have moderate to severe forms of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

• Deucravacitinib: An oral treatment that targets a specific immune pathway involved in plaque psoriasis and may be considered for suitable patients with moderate to severe disease.

Note: You should always take systemic treatment for psoriasis on the recommendation of your doctor or a dermatology specialist. In fact, your response may need to be checked with blood tests or otherwise.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Psoriasis

Some patients may explore Ayurvedic or complementary approaches to help manage psoriasis symptoms. These options should support, rather than replace, treatment recommended by a dermatologist. Some of these options include:

• Aloe Vera Gel: May help soothe dry, irritated skin.

• Neem: Traditionally used in Ayurveda to support skin health.

• Turmeric: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Yoga & Meditation: May help manage stress, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Note: Alternative treatments should be used only after consulting a qualified practitioner.

Home Care for Managing Psoriasis

Simple skincare measures can support psoriasis treatment and help manage dryness, itching and flare-ups. Some of the home care tips to manage psoriasis include:

• Moisturise the skin regularly, particularly after bathing.

• Use lukewarm rather than very hot water while bathing.

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products when possible.

• Avoid scratching or picking psoriasis scales.

• Follow the prescribed treatment consistently, even when symptoms begin to improve.

• Identify and avoid personal psoriasis triggers where possible.

• Prevent injuries to the skin (including burns and scrapes*) that could initiate the development of new patches of psoriasis.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Latest Treatment for Psoriasis in India

Newer psoriasis treatments increasingly target specific immune routes responsible for inflammation. Biologic medicines that target proteins such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) can provide effective control for suitable patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Medicines such as secukinumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, and risankizumab are examples of biologic treatments used to treat psoriasis. Newer oral targeted medicines, including deucravacitinib, also provide treatments to selected patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

How Long Does Psoriasis Treatment Take?

Treatment of psoriasis varies with the severity and type, as well as with the selected procedure. The following table lists roughly how much time each psoriasis treatment requires: 

Psoriasis Treatment Side Effects

Most psoriasis treatments can be used safely when prescribed and monitored appropriately. However, some treatments may cause side effects that are mentioned below:

• Skin irritation or thinning

• Sunburn-like reactions

• Nausea

• Dry skin, lips, or eyes

• Increased risk of infections

• Injection-site reactions

• Changes in liver or kidney function

• Changes in blood counts

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Psoriasis

The following healthy habits may help manage psoriasis and reduce flare-ups:

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Avoid smoking

• Minimise alcohol consumption

• Exercise in an appropriate and safe way

• Manage stress using relaxation techniques

• Keep skin moisturised

• Protect skin from injury and sunlight

• Take prescribed psoriasis medication regularly

• Look after any underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol

Triggers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Psoriasis

Some key triggers of psoriasis to avoid or manage include:

• Emotional or physical stress

• Skin cuts, scratches, burns or other injuries

• Sunburn

• Certain infections

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Cold and dry weather

• Certain medicines

• Lack of sleep

• Dry skin

• Stopping certain psoriasis medicines without medical advice

• Obesity or significant weight gain

• Repeated friction or irritation of the skin

Psoriasis Treatment Cost

Psoriasis treatment costs in India vary depending on the severity of the condition, treatment type, city, and hospital. Regular dermatologist consultations may cost around ₹300 to ₹1,200. Phototherapy may cost ₹400 to ₹1,500 per session. Oral systemic medicines may cost ₹1,000 to ₹6,000 per month, while biologics may start at ₹6 lakh or more, depending on various factors. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Psoriasis Treatment in India?

Yes. Health insurance covers medically necessary hospitalisation, day care treatment and in-patient diagnostic tests & medicines for psoriasis, subject to the policy terms and conditions. Advanced treatments, such as biologic therapy, may also be covered if they are medically necessary and included under the policy. 

Routine dermatologist consultations, topical creams, oral medicines and other outpatient expenses may be covered only if the policy includes OPD benefits. However, the extent of coverage may vary from one plan to another, and waiting periods may apply before the expenses can be claimed.

A health insurance plan with a sum insured of at least ₹10 lakh is generally recommended to help cover hospitalisation and advanced treatments for psoriasis, subject to the policy terms and conditions.