Psoriasis treatment options
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Your treatment options for psoriasis include:
In addition to these therapies, your doctor or dermatologist may recommend avoiding your psoriasis triggers and healthy living to manage your psoriasis. Your doctor may also recommend a combination of these therapies.
The treatment your doctor recommends depends on many individual factors, including:
- the type of psoriasis
- psoriasis severity (mild, moderate, or severe)
- which treatment you are comfortable with based on the risks and benefits and how it's given
- how well you respond to a given treatment
Whatever the severity or type of psoriasis you have, there is a treatment option to help control psoriasis.
Also keep in mind that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. It may take a few tries to find the right treatment for your psoriasis and see real improvements. Don't give up – keep working with your doctor to find a treatment that is best for you! If you're not sure if your psoriasis treatment is working for you, use the Treatment Check-Up Tool to find out if it's time to see your doctor about managing your psoriasis treatment. Don't settle until you find a satisfactory treatment that meets your expectations.
Not sure how to speak to your doctor about choosing the best personalized treatment for you? Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to help lead the conversation – don't settle for less!
Paying for psoriasis treatment
Treatment for psoriasis may be paid for by private (e.g., your employer) and public (e.g., provincial or federal) health insurance plans. These health insurance plans usually have a formulary that includes their own list of medications that they will pay for.
It's important to know your health insurance coverage plan and what drugs you get reimbursed for. In most cases, your psoriasis treatment will likely be covered by your drug plan.
However, for some newer or more expensive medications such as biologics, your drug plan may require you to meet specific requirements before they cover the cost of your treatment. For example, they may require you to try other treatments first for a specific amount of time, then have your doctor fill in a special form available from the insurance company before they fund your medication.
Check with your health insurance plan to see if your psoriasis treatment is covered or if there are any special requirements. To help make the process easier and to avoid any delays, let your doctor know you may need his or her help in securing funding for your psoriasis treatment.
Need help talking to your doctor about psoriasis? The psoriasis Doctor Discussion Guide helps you prepare in advance of your appointments so that you ask all of the right questions.
