Sometimes people with psoriasis wonder if there is a surgery or another medical procedure that can get rid of their psoriasis for good. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, and surgery for the condition isn’t recommended. However, many other treatments are available for managing psoriasis. Talk to your dermatologist so together you choose the treatment option that is best for your specific needs.

Is There Surgery for Treating Psoriasis?

Surgery is not recommended for treating psoriasis. There is some confusion over this — even among some medical professionals – because doctors sometimes used to recommend a procedure called dermabrasion to treat psoriasis in some people. This procedure used a specialized tool to remove the outer layer of skin, with the idea that the skin that grew back would be psoriasis-free.

However, dermabrasion is controversial at best and is generally no longer recommended for treating psoriasis. There are a couple of reasons why most dermatology experts have changed their minds on this.

Why Surgery Doesn’t Help Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system does not work properly, which causes inflammation and an overgrowth of skin. Instead of attacking bacteria or viruses, the immune system attacks harmless skin cells. As a result, skin cells build up too quickly and form scales and plaques.

In order to effectively treat any of the types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and more, you need to deal with the problem at its origin: the immune system. While removing plaques or lesions might help in the short term, it doesn’t do anything about the actual source of the problem. If you treat psoriasis plaques with dermabrasion alone, you might have to do session after session because your body may not stop producing more plaques.

Psoriasis, Surgery, and the Koebner Phenomenon

A surgical procedure could make psoriasis worse due to something called the Koebner phenomenon. The Koebner phenomenon occurs when you develop new psoriasis lesions after your skin has been damaged. This can happen anytime the skin is damaged, including during medical procedures or when getting a tattoo.

Members of MyPsoriasisTeam have experienced the Koebner phenomenon from different causes. One member said, “I have the Koebner phenomenon associated with my psoriasis. The first place attacked was my brain surgery scar.”

Another shared, “I had a new tattoo over a month ago and my psoriasis has completely smothered it. It’s sore and very itchy and inflamed!”

The Koebner phenomenon affects 25 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis. It may occur sometimes and not others, so it can be difficult to predict when it might strike.

Other Treatment Options for Psoriasis

There are a wide variety of treatment options for psoriasis that are not surgery. Your doctor can help you figure out which one is right for you.

Lifestyle Changes

A wide variety of lifestyle changes could help with psoriasis. These include:

• Reducing stress
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a balanced diet
• Moisturizing your skin regularly

Note that these alone may not be enough to treat psoriasis for some people, but they may help alongside other treatments.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are rubbed into the skin, usually in the form of a lotion, cream, gel, shampoo, or ointment. Some can be purchased over the counter, while others will only be available by prescription.

Common topical treatments for psoriasis include:

• Corticosteroid creams
• Coal tar
• Vitamin D
• Retinoids
• Salicylic acid

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is also known as light therapy. It usually needs to be prescribed by your doctor in order to be covered by insurance. It involves exposing your affected skin to a certain kind of light or ultraviolet light, like sunlight or ultraviolet B light (UVB). You will probably have to do this several times a week for at least a couple of months and maybe longer.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, work by suppressing your immune system. This can stop the immune attacks on your skin, which can reduce your psoriasis symptoms. Due to their impact on the immune system, these medications may increase your risk for getting sick, so consult with your doctor before you decide to take them.

Biologics

Biologics target a very specific part of the immune system. They are generally used for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. You and your doctor will need to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, like possible side effects, before you decide to start treatment.

Other Treatments

Other treatments for psoriasis include oral or injected steroids, oral retinoids, and alternative treatments — such as vitamins, supplements, and acupuncture.

Is Surgery in General Safe for People Diagnosed With Psoriasis?

Given the existence of the Koebner phenomenon, you might wonder if it’s safe to have any surgery at all if you’re living with psoriasis. In general, surgery is considered safe for people with the condition. You may need to prepare for surgery differently than someone without psoriasis would, or you may need additional treatment afterward.

Nevertheless, most doctors support people with psoriasis undergoing surgery for other health conditions. This is especially true if a surgery is lifesaving or would drastically improve your well-being and quality of life.

MyPsoriasisTeam members have successfully undergone surgery. One mentioned, “I just finished the longest walk I have taken since my knee replacement surgery a couple of months ago. I feel somewhat tired and stiff but otherwise OK.”

Before you have any surgery, consult with your doctor and let them know about your psoriasis. They should be able to design a plan to keep you healthy and well during and after your surgical procedure.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis, and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 127,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Are you wondering about surgery for psoriasis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.