According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are several treatment options, depending on your friend's lifestyle and preferences, as there are many pros/cons (including unwanted side effects) to each option:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) tar shampoos, creams, gels, oils, ointments and soaps. Tar also can be prescribed by your doctor in a variety of strengths.
2. Topical steroid prescription medications are designed specifically for treating scalp psoriasis, and come in many forms: solutions, gels, creams, lotions, sprays, ointments and foam.
3. Steroid injections
4. Anthralin is an older medicine, used for scalp treatment
5. Dovonex (also known by its generic name calcipotriene) is a prescription topical vitamin D3 derivative scalp solution
6. Tazorac (also known by its generic name tazarotene) is a topical vitamin A derivative that comes in a cream or gel form
7. Prescription antimicrobial treatment if scalp becomes infected by bacteria
8. Phototherapy or sun and water therapy (using ultraviolet light)
9. Medicated shampoos
10. Systemic psorisasis medications (medications taken orally, not topical) include methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine and biologic medications.
An herb called feverfew has also been used to treat psoriasis, but there is no evidence to its effectiveness.
Has your friend seen her doctor? Sounds like many of the treatment options require a prescription, and the type of treatment prescribed depends on many factors that only a visit with a health care provider could determine.
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According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are several treatment options, depending on your friend's lifestyle and preferences, as there are many pros/cons (including unwanted side effects) to each option:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) tar shampoos, creams, gels, oils, ointments and soaps. Tar also can be prescribed by your doctor in a variety of strengths.
2. Topical steroid prescription medications are designed specifically for treating scalp psoriasis, and come in many forms: solutions, gels, creams, lotions, sprays, ointments and foam.
3. Steroid injections
4. Anthralin is an older medicine, used for scalp treatment
5. Dovonex (also known by its generic name calcipotriene) is a prescription topical vitamin D3 derivative scalp solution
6. Tazorac (also known by its generic name tazarotene) is a topical vitamin A derivative that comes in a cream or gel form
7. Prescription antimicrobial treatment if scalp becomes infected by bacteria
8. Phototherapy or sun and water therapy (using ultraviolet light)
9. Medicated shampoos
10. Systemic psorisasis medications (medications taken orally, not topical) include methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine and biologic medications.
An herb called feverfew has also been used to treat psoriasis, but there is no evidence to its effectiveness.
Has your friend seen her doctor? Sounds like many of the treatment options require a prescription, and the type of treatment prescribed depends on many factors that only a visit with a health care provider could determine.
Your friend can read more about the treatment options at the MedlinePlus site on Psoriasis
good luck!
February 22, 2009 - 4:27pmThis Comment
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