Psoriasis Treatment Abroad: Complete Guide & Cost Comparison 2025

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects approximately 125 million people worldwide, causing rapid skin cell turnover that results in thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. Unlike normal skin cells that grow and shed over a period of about a month, psoriatic skin cells complete this cycle in just three to four days, creating a buildup of cells on the skin surface that forms the characteristic silvery-white scales and inflamed, raised plaques. The condition is not merely cosmetic — psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organ systems, with up to 30 percent of patients developing psoriatic arthritis, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, depression, and other comorbidities.

The impact of psoriasis on quality of life is profound and often underestimated by those who do not suffer from the condition. Physical symptoms including itching, pain, cracking, and bleeding of plaques create daily discomfort that interferes with sleep, work, and physical activity. The visible nature of the disease leads to significant psychological burden, with studies showing that psoriasis patients experience rates of depression and anxiety two to three times higher than the general population. Social stigma, self-consciousness about appearance, and the constant management demands of the disease contribute to reduced quality of life scores comparable to those seen in patients with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

The financial burden of psoriasis treatment in the United States is staggering, particularly for patients with moderate to severe disease who require biologic therapy. Annual costs for biologic medications range from $40,000 to $60,000, and even with insurance coverage, copayments and coinsurance can amount to thousands of dollars per year. Many patients face the impossible choice between effective treatment and financial hardship, leading to undertreatment and poorer outcomes. International dermatology centers offer access to the same FDA-approved biologic medications and advanced treatment protocols at dramatically lower costs. Facilities like Acıbadem Maslak Hospital in Istanbul provide comprehensive psoriasis management programs that include dermatological evaluation, treatment initiation, phototherapy, and ongoing medication management at 50 to 80 percent lower cost than US prices.

Treatment Options Available Abroad

Topical treatments remain the foundation of psoriasis management for mild to moderate disease and are used in combination with systemic therapies for more severe cases. High-potency corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol, coal tar preparations, and retinoids such as tazarotene are the mainstays of topical therapy. These medications are significantly less expensive at international pharmacies compared to US prices, with many patients saving 70 to 90 percent on their topical medication costs alone. International dermatologists at centers like Estethica Ataşehir Hospital can prescribe optimized topical regimens and provide patient education on proper application techniques to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

Phototherapy, particularly narrowband ultraviolet B light therapy, is one of the most effective and cost-efficient treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis. NB-UVB phototherapy involves exposing affected skin to controlled doses of ultraviolet light two to three times per week over a course of twenty to thirty-six sessions, inducing remission in 60 to 80 percent of patients. In the United States, a complete course of phototherapy can cost $3,000 to $6,000, while the same treatment at international dermatology centers costs $800 to $1,500. PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) therapy and excimer laser treatment for localized psoriasis are additional phototherapy options available at leading international centers with comparable or superior equipment to Western facilities.

Systemic medications for moderate to severe psoriasis include traditional agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin, as well as newer targeted therapies including apremilast and the biologic agents. These medications work by modulating the immune system to reduce the inflammatory processes driving psoriasis. Traditional systemic agents are significantly less expensive than biologics and remain appropriate first-line therapies for many patients. At international dermatology centers like Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, patients have access to the full spectrum of systemic therapies, with dermatologists who can guide treatment selection based on disease severity, comorbidities, patient preferences, and cost considerations.

• Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues — first-line for mild disease
• NB-UVB phototherapy — highly effective for moderate disease, 60-80% remission rate
• Excimer laser — targeted phototherapy for localized plaques
• Methotrexate — proven systemic therapy, affordable and effective
• Cyclosporine — rapid-acting immunosuppressant for severe flares
• Apremilast — oral PDE4 inhibitor for moderate disease
• Biologic agents (TNF, IL-17, IL-23 inhibitors) — most effective for severe disease
• Dead Sea climatotherapy — unique mineral-rich environment for natural healing

Cost Comparison by Country

Psoriasis Treatment Cost Comparison 2025

Costs vary by severity, body surface area affected, and specific medications used. Biologic prices reflect out-of-pocket costs without insurance.

The cost savings for psoriasis treatment abroad are particularly dramatic for patients requiring biologic therapy. In the United States, biologic medications including adalimumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, and risankizumab cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year at list price. Even with insurance coverage and manufacturer copay assistance programs, many patients face annual out-of-pocket costs of $5,000 to $15,000 or more. In Turkey, the same biologic medications are available at $8,000 to $15,000 per year, and in India at $3,000 to $8,000 per year, reflecting lower drug pricing in these markets. Some patients choose to travel abroad periodically to obtain their biologic prescriptions and medications at international prices, achieving substantial savings over domestic costs.

Top Dermatology Centers for Psoriasis

Acıbadem Maslak Hospital in Istanbul houses one of Turkey's most comprehensive dermatology departments, with specialized psoriasis clinics that offer the full range of treatments from topical therapy and phototherapy through biologics and combination protocols. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art phototherapy units including NB-UVB cabins and excimer laser systems, and maintains an extensive formulary of biologic medications available for immediate initiation. The dermatology team includes physicians with subspecialty expertise in psoriasis who stay current with the latest treatment guidelines and emerging therapies, ensuring that patients receive evidence-based care that meets international standards.

Estethica Ataşehir Hospital offers another excellent option for psoriasis treatment in Istanbul, with a focus on combining medical dermatology with aesthetic treatments that address both the physical symptoms and the cosmetic impact of psoriasis. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital provides convenient central Istanbul access to the Acıbadem network's dermatology expertise, while Yanhee Hospital in Bangkok offers Asian patients a geographically convenient option with competitive pricing and a comprehensive dermatology program. Each of these centers maintains international accreditation and employs dermatologists with training and experience at leading Western institutions.

Biologics & Advanced Therapies Abroad

Biologic medications have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, offering the possibility of clear or almost clear skin for the majority of patients who receive them. These medications target specific components of the immune system that drive the inflammatory process in psoriasis. TNF-alpha inhibitors such as adalimumab and etanercept were the first biologics approved for psoriasis. IL-17 inhibitors including secukinumab, ixekizumab, and brodalumab offer superior efficacy with PASI 90 response rates exceeding 60 to 70 percent. IL-23 inhibitors such as guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab represent the newest class with convenient dosing schedules of once every eight to twelve weeks and impressive long-term efficacy data.

Accessing biologics abroad involves understanding the regulatory and practical aspects of obtaining these medications in different countries. In Turkey, biologics are prescribed by dermatologists and are available at hospital pharmacies at regulated prices that are significantly lower than US prices. Some patients travel to Turkey for initial evaluation, treatment initiation, and their first few doses of biologic therapy, then continue treatment at home by importing medications from international pharmacies or through telemedicine prescriptions. At Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, the dermatology team assists international patients with treatment planning that takes into account their home country's regulations regarding medication importation and continuity of care with local dermatologists.

Biosimilar medications, which are highly similar versions of original biologic drugs, represent an additional cost-saving opportunity for psoriasis patients seeking treatment abroad. Biosimilars for adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab are widely available in Turkey, India, and other countries at prices 30 to 50 percent lower than the original biologics, which are themselves already significantly cheaper than in the United States. Clinical studies have demonstrated that biosimilars are equally effective and safe compared to their reference products, and major dermatological societies worldwide endorse their use. International dermatologists can guide patients on switching to or initiating biosimilar therapy as a cost-effective treatment option.

Long-Term Psoriasis Management

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, and patients considering treatment abroad should plan for long-term care coordination between their international dermatologist and local healthcare team. A comprehensive management plan includes regular monitoring of disease activity using validated scoring systems, periodic blood tests to monitor medication safety, screening for psoriatic arthritis and other comorbidities, and lifestyle modifications including weight management, stress reduction, and avoidance of known triggers. Many patients establish a pattern of annual or biannual visits to their international dermatologist for comprehensive assessment and treatment optimization, supplemented by routine monitoring with their local physician.

Lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in psoriasis management and should be addressed as part of any comprehensive treatment plan. Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important, as obesity is both a risk factor for developing psoriasis and a contributor to more severe disease and reduced treatment response. Regular exercise, stress management techniques, moderate alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation all contribute to better disease control. Dietary modifications, while not curative, may help some patients, with evidence suggesting benefits from anti-inflammatory diets, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation. International dermatology programs often incorporate nutritional counseling and lifestyle education alongside medical therapy for optimal outcomes.

Dead Sea climatotherapy represents a unique treatment approach for psoriasis that is not available anywhere else in the world. The Dead Sea, located at the lowest point on Earth, offers a unique combination of filtered UV radiation (low in burning UVB but rich in therapeutic UVA), mineral-rich water and mud, high atmospheric pressure with increased oxygen content, and low allergen exposure. Four-week treatment programs at Dead Sea clinics have demonstrated PASI 75 response rates of 70 to 80 percent, comparable to some biologic medications. While geographically limited to Israel and Jordan, Dead Sea therapy is an excellent option for patients seeking a natural, drug-free approach to psoriasis management, and many international patients combine a visit to the Dead Sea with treatment at clinics in Turkey or other regional destinations.

After spending over $50,000 a year on biologic therapy in the US, I discovered that I could receive the same medication in Istanbul for a fraction of the cost. The dermatology team was outstanding, and I now travel to Turkey twice a year for my treatment and annual evaluation.

Richard P., psoriasis patient from the US

Frequently Asked Questions