Doctors generally treat psoriasis in steps based on disease severity, size of area involved, type of psoriasis, and response to prior treatments. You may have already tried some of these treatments. Here is a look at some of the available prescription treatments:[1]

• Topical Medications: A treatment doctors often use first when treating psoriasis. They’re usually applied directly to the affected skin in the form of cream, foam, or lotion. While many can be purchased over the counter (OTC), others are available by prescription only.
• Phototherapy: When psoriasis does not respond to topical medications alone or patients have lesions that are too extensive for topical medications, phototherapy becomes an option. Phototherapy is a treatment that exposes affected skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light slows the rapid growth of new skin cells.
• Oral Medications: A treatment often used when patients do not respond to topical medications or phototherapy. Oral medications are reserved for moderate or severe psoriasis because it affects the entire body. They are usually taken in the form of a pill.
• Biologics: Injectable medications for treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis made from proteins produced by living cells. Specifically targets certain cells or signals in your body that help trigger psoriasis.

Always remember, you should talk with your doctor to find the right treatment for your psoriasis.