The ideal treatment for psoriasis would clear the disease completely and have no drawbacks. Unfortunately, many of the most effective treatments for psoriasis have unpleasant side effects, are risky when used for long periods or are so new that their long-term safety is unproven. As a result, trying to completely clear psoriasis is not always realistic. A better goal for many people is to see a significant improvement, while keeping side effects to a minimum.
Dermatologists rate the severity of psoriasis using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. This score takes into account both the size of the area involved and the severity of the lesions. A 75 percent decrease in the PASI score is considered a significant improvement. However, patients may have a different view of what constitutes success. Some people want their skin to be completely clear and view a single dime-sized patch as a problem. For someone else, the goal might be to have arms and legs that are free of the disease so that they can wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts in the summer.
When you consult with a doctor about your psoriasis, it's important to explain how severely psoriasis affects your quality of life, the results you would like to achieve and how comfortable you are with taking a medication that could have long-term side effects. If the doctor understands your priorities, the two of you will be in a better position to design a plan that balances the benefits and risks of treatment.
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