While there is not yet a cure for psoriasis, treatments are now available that can help most patients achieve significant improvement, and even clear or nearly clear skin. This is an extraordinary development for the psoriasis community. For psoriatic arthritis, there are now treatments that can stop the progression of joint damage that can come from psoriatic arthritis. While no treatment works for everyone, the proliferation of treatments means that our community now has multiple options; and if one does not work, others often still do.

Of course, each person’s psoriasis symptoms vary, as does our response to various treatments. There are no guarantees that a particular patient will get the response he or she desires. Still, the outlook has never been as bright. That is why our website is so insistent that you see a dermatologist, preferably one who sees many psoriasis patients (feel free to ask before you make your appointment). While in some parts of the country that may be difficult, in most urban areas there will be dermatologists who have significant experience treating psoriasis. Often, their websites will make clear that they consider psoriasis an important part of their practice. (Or equally worth noting, if the website is all about cosmetic dermatology rather than “medical” dermatology, you probably should look for a different dermatologist for your psoriasis treatment, if possible.)

Read more on treating mild psoriasis, or more on moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments.