Introduction:
Why do psoriasis treatments fail even after trying everything? – One of the most common question, I hear from my patients those suffering from psoriasis is:
“Doctor, I’ve tried many treatment options, but nothing has worked for me”
I’ve spent roughly forty years managing the care of individuals who have psoriasis and know how tedious, frustrating and detrimental all of the failed treatments can be to someone affected by this chronic disease. Many patients have previously switched doctors, attempted different types of medical care and still are not getting the results that they expected, so they come to see me feeling hopeless and defeated.
The first thing I always tell my patients is:
Do not give up hope!
It is unusual for no treatment to work at all. Most often when a patient with psoriasis is not getting the benefit they were hoping for from their prescribed medication, there are other factors involved; many things contribute to effective management of psoriasis beyond simply prescribing a medication for the patient.
In this article, I will provide an overview of why some psoriasis treatments have been generally ineffective, along with possible changes that the patient may need to implement in order to see improved response to their prescribed treatments.
Medications are not the only component of psoriasis treatment
A lot of people assume that by taking medications for their skin condition, they will have complete control over themselves.
Psoriasis can be more complex than treating a single problem. Using the appropriate treatment can still be ineffective due to both environmental triggering factors and many poor habits that patients have.
Below are the most frequent environmental triggering factors and poor habits that can prevent a patient’s psoriasis from improving.
- Poor diet habits
- Lack of Exercise (not exercising enough)
- Poor sleep
- High levels of stress
- Smoking and/or drinking alcohol
- Poor skin care routine
If patients do not manage these elements properly, they may feel like their treatments aren’t working, even if patients may take medication properly on time and not miss any scheduled clinic visit.
That is why psoriasis treatment must always encompass the provision of both medical treatment and lifestyle management together.
The importance of having a good skin care routine
One thing that most patients also fail to recognize is that when they do not take good care of their skin, it will take longer to see improvement from medications.
Therefore, I tell all of my patients to create and follow a consistent skin care routine that consists of the following:
- Moisturizing regularly
- Being gentle with skin
- Avoid scratching too much
- Protecting your body from being too dry or irritated
Having good skin care habits will also help provide support during the treatment process and help reduce flare-ups.
Give enough time to your treatment
One of the biggest problems patients encounter is switching treatment too often.
Many patients will start a new treatment and stop within 2-3 weeks because they feel like progress is too slow.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and most treatments take time for you to see improvement.
When you start a new treatment, it is important to do the following:
- Be pretentious.
- Stay on the treatment as prescribed.
- Follow through with your commitment to your medication regimen.
- Allow enough time for the medicine to work.
If you are going to switch doctors or switch treatments frequently because you did not give your body enough time to respond to the medication, you may become frustrated and confused.
Be sure to share all of your medical history with your doctor
Patients often spend the majority of their time with their doctor discussing and explaining the failed treatments they have previously used for their psoriasis but fail to share critical information about their medical, lifestyle, and emotional history.
In order for physicians to treat and understand the impact psoriasis has on a patient, they must have more than just information about the visible skin symptoms; they must also understand how their psoriasis started, what was happening in their life when the condition first occurred, potential health-related emotional stress and stressors and significant lifestyle changes; sleep patterns; dietary habits; family history; any other medical conditions; and social and emotional well-being.
All of these factors can affect a patient’s psoriasis and can influence how effective a prescribed medication will be.
The more accurate and complete information that you provide to your doctor about your psoriasis and how the various factors affect your psoriasis, the better your doctor will be able to help you with your condition.
Go prepared for your consultation
An excellent suggestion for patients who will be attending their doctor’s appointment is to prepare an account detailing their psoriasis experience.
Preparing this will help the doctor pinpoint your exact condition.
Also note the following information:
- Date of onset of symptoms
- What treatments you have tried
- Triggers that cause your symptoms to become worse
- Lifestyle habits you have
- Any history of stress related issues
- Any other medical problems you have had
The more prepared you are for your appointment, the better your outcome will be.
Communicate openly with your doctor
Having an open line of communication between you and your doctor is crucial.
There are times when people don’t entirely comprehend what is being asked of them by their doctor so they answer too quickly, with less than full understanding.
If you don’t understand something being said to you, ask your doctor to give more detailed elaborate explanations.
Honest, accurate communication gives physicians necessary tools to provide effective treatment.
Always keep in mind, successful treatment of psoriasis must include both the doctor and the patient working together as one unit.
Do not stop your treatment without consulting your doctor
An additional experienced reason why many patients treat themselves includes:
1. Patients often discontinue their medications when they think that their condition has made improvement, but this can potentially be a dangerous decision. You might feel relief at first, only to see that your condition has actually returned to its original state or worsened after stopping treatment altogether.
2. Patients stop using their medications when they first notice any possible worsening (minor changes) early in their treatments. In some cases, patients on homeopathic treatment may see an increase in symptoms in the beginning before they get their first signs of improvement.
Some patients quit taking their medications prematurely and even fail to call their doctor for help, which ultimately compromises their ability to follow through with their treatment.
Before making any adjustments to your current treatment plan, please discuss your options with your doctor, have expectations laid out for how your treatment should progress, and understand that proper accounting of medication is paramount to your success in managing your psoriasis.
Avoid completely depending on internet advices
There are literally thousands of resources available to you through a simple search on the internet; you shouldn’t have any trouble locating plenty of web sites, blogs, and videos telling you how to cure your psoriasis with a specific diet or to totally eliminate certain types of foods out of your diet to permanently cure or eliminate your psoriasis.
While certain resources may provide pertinent information, you must also understand that not all of the information you find on the internet has scientific merit.
Therefore, please check with your physician prior to trying any other new treatment options, diets, or supplements since every individual with psoriasis is unique so that your intentions can be met accordingly.
Treating psoriasis is a team effort
An important note I’ve made for numerous psoriasis patients is:
Treating psoriasis takes teamwork between the doctor and the patient.
The doctor cannot treat your psoriasis by themselves.
To successfully treat psoriasis, you will need:
- Prescribed medications
- Lifestyle changes
- True communication
- Patience
- Consistency
- Emotional support
- Follow-up appointments
When the patient and doctor have a good relationship, you will see improvements in how effectively you treat your psoriasis.
Know More
Conclusion
If you’re feeling upset because prior treatments for your psoriasis did not work, don’t give up on psoriasis treatment.
The reason you didn’t respond to your past treatment could be due to multiple reasons such as: there may not have been enough focus on your lifestyle factors; maybe you didn’t tell your doctor about your triggers; or there may have been an issue with consistency in using your medications or following the directions given by your doctor.
Treat your psoriasis for enough time to see if it improves and work closely with your doctor to create a comprehensive treatment plan that doesn’t expect any overnight results.
With the right support, perseverance, and commitment to managing psoriasis holistically, many people who suffer from psoriasis successfully manage their psoriasis and return to enjoying their lives again.
Looking for long-term psoriasis management? Book your appointment today and receive expert guidance for personalized psoriasis care and lifestyle management. – https://psoriatreat.com/new-appointment/
FAQs
1. Why do psoriasis treatments sometimes fail?
Psoriasis treatments may seem ineffective due to several factors such as stress, poor sleep, unhealthy lifestyle habits, inconsistent medication use, lack of proper skin care, or stopping treatment too early. Effective psoriasis management usually requires both medical treatment and lifestyle changes together.
2. Can stress affect psoriasis treatment results?
Yes. Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. High stress levels can worsen symptoms and may reduce the effectiveness of treatment if not managed properly.
3. How long does psoriasis treatment usually take to show results?
Psoriasis treatments often take time to work. Some patients may notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent treatment before seeing significant results.
4. Is it safe to stop psoriasis medication once symptoms improve?
No. Stopping treatment without consulting your doctor may cause symptoms to return or worsen. Always discuss any medication changes with your healthcare provider before stopping treatment.
5. Why is skin care important during psoriasis treatment?
A proper skin care routine helps reduce dryness, irritation, itching, and flare-ups. Regular moisturizing and gentle skin care can support the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments.
6. Can lifestyle habits affect psoriasis severity?
Yes. Factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, and stress may worsen psoriasis symptoms and interfere with treatment outcomes.
7. Why should patients share their complete history with the doctor?
Psoriasis can be influenced by emotional stress, lifestyle, sleep habits, family history, and other medical conditions. Sharing complete information helps doctors better understand the condition and create a more personalized treatment plan.
8. Is changing treatments too frequently a problem?
Yes. Frequently switching treatments or doctors without giving enough time for a treatment to work can lead to frustration and poor treatment outcomes. Psoriasis treatments often require patience and consistency.
9. Can internet remedies cure psoriasis permanently?
Not all online advice is medically accurate. Some internet remedies may not be scientifically proven and could even worsen symptoms. Always consult your doctor before trying new treatments, diets, or supplements.
10. What is the most important factor in successful psoriasis treatment?
Successful psoriasis treatment usually depends on teamwork between the doctor and patient. Consistency, honest communication, lifestyle management, emotional support, and following the prescribed treatment plan all play important roles.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
For more such tips and information from Dr. R. S. Sonawane, follow him on –