When Psoriasis Gets Severe

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply rapidly, causing scaly patches, called plaques, on the skin. The plaques generally gather at the elbow, knees, and lower back. Some people also develop plaque on the scalp. Other symptoms include rashes, itching, and burning. Severe psoriasis can be particularly distressing with pain, cracking, and more skin scaling. Psoriasis is an incurable condition. However, there are medications available to relieve symptoms and suppress flare-ups. In particular, compound dermatology treatments may soothe symptoms.

Can medication or topical treatments help?

Most people with psoriasis already have a relationship with a doctor or dermatologist for treatment. Psoriasis has both oral and topical medication to help manage the symptoms. Most patients receive an oral or topical retinoid, a vitamin A derivative. Retinoids are great for speeding up cell turnover, clearing up scaly skin. Oral retinoids are common for severe psoriasis. Low-dose topical steroids reduce inflammation and itching. Another drug, an immunosuppressant, calms down an overactive immune system. Other forms of treatment include creams, moisturizers, products with coal tar, and salicylic acid.

Should you consider compounding?

These medications and treatments help patients with severe psoriasis. However, some people need customized help. A compound dermatology treatment can be a difference-maker in treating the disease. Compounding is the process of creating a customized drug for the patient’s individual needs. A local compound pharmacist will use individual ingredients or multiple medications to make one solution. For psoriasis patients, compound drugs have several practical benefits.

Fewer side effects

Despite the effectiveness of the medication, some can cause unwanted side effects. For instance, some oral retinoids may cause hair loss, mood swings, headaches, and nausea. Steroid medications may cause thinning skin, bruising, acne, and other side effects. Some doctors prefer to avoid some medicines due to the severe side effects. With compounding dermatology, however, the pharmacist can minimize side effects. Low doses of helpful medications can be combined to provide relief. The patients will also have a special treatment instead of multiple drugs.

In forms you need

One significant advantage of compounding is the ability to change the form of the drug. The pharmacist can change from oral tablets to liquids, topicals, or sprays. These changes can help with medication adherence for patients who have difficulties taking certain drugs. Some patients need a shampoo for scalp psoriasis without ingredients that can strip the hair’s oils. A compounding pharmacist can create shampoos or treatments in other forms for ease of use.

Creating what’s gone

Is a preferred drug not available anymore? Some medicines are discontinued or optimized by a large company mass producing the drug. However, that drug was the most effective for the patient. Some compounding dermatologists may also recommend a combination of drugs unavailable on the market. Compounding can help recreate a treatment that’s no longer available. In some cases, the pharmacist creates a brand-new drug that’s useful and more cost-effective.

Keep psoriasis at bay

The clusters of scaly skin found in psoriasis can be uncomfortable and distressing. Without treatment, psoriasis can get worse, leading to more pain and discomfort. In addition, the resulting social anxiety means that patients need some help with medication. Compounding dermatology can remove some barriers that prevent patients from treating the disease. By creating custom medication, patients reduce side effects while taking the right drugs for the condition.