What is a common treatment approach for moderate to severe psoriasis?

A common treatment approach for moderate to severe psoriasis involves the use of phototherapy or biological agents. Phototherapy utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce skin plaques and inflammation, making it effective for those with extensive disease. Biological agents, which target specific parts of the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors or interleukin inhibitors, are increasingly used for their effectiveness in managing moderate to severe cases and often provide significant improvement in skin condition and overall quality of life.

In cases of moderate to severe psoriasis, relying solely on topical corticosteroids may not achieve adequate results, as they are most effective for mild to moderate conditions. Oral antibiotic therapy is typically utilized for managing infections rather than treating psoriasis. Oral antihistamines primarily address allergy symptoms rather than the underlying inflammatory processes present in psoriasis. Thus, phototherapy and biological therapies represent more appropriate and targeted methods for treating this challenging skin disease.