Suggest treatment for psoriasis
Patient: Hi I am suffering from Psoriasis (upper body and scalp is majorly effected) and want to know if there's any photo-therapy clinic available in North-West Delhi? I am based out of Rohini and looking for a clinic around this place. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.Warm regards,Anupam Doctor: Hello,  Psoriasis presents as well defined, thick scaly plaques mainly involving the scalp, ans extensor surfaces like elbow, knee, lower back etc.  Unlike extensive psoriatic disease for which both oral and topical treatment is required, for limited disease topical treatment alone is effective.   However, for extensive disease systemic treatment with oral immunosuppresives like methotrexate, cyclosporin, Phototherapy (PUVA), Biologics etc may be required for disease control.  Specific topical treatment options for psoriatic plaques are topical steroid with or without salicylic acid, topical Vitamin D analogs like calcipotriol, calcipotriene etc.   These are available in ointment form for plaques involving the body and in lotion form for scalp psoriasis. Topical therapy may be combined with oral/systemic therapy for widespread/extensive disease.  Besides specific remedies for psoriasis, moisturizers form an important part in the management of psoriasis because of the thick scaly nature of the plaques.   Moisturizers enhance the penetration of topical active ingredients as well as prevents or delays side effects like skin atrophy etc.  An oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg may be required for symptomatic relief from itching. Treatment may take 2-4 weeks to show noticeable improvement.   Therefore, I would suggest him to continue with the prescribed medicines and follow up with his doctor every 2-4 weeks.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon