Psoriasis Channel
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Psoriasis Medication
There are several types of medicines that can be used to treat psoriasis. Topical medications, including corticosteroids, are applied directly to the skin. For people with a more severe form of psoriasis, healthcare providers may recommend a medicine that is taken by pill or injection. Healthcare providers often use a trial-and-error approach to find a treatment that works, and they may switch medicines periodically if one does not work or if side effects occur.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments available that can decrease the bothersome symptoms and appearance of the disease. These treatment options include:
- Medicines applied to the skin (topical psoriasis treatment)
- Light treatments (see Light Therapy for Psoriasis)
- Psoriasis medication taken by mouth or injection (systemic therapy).
A combination of therapies is often recommended. Combining various topical, light, and systemic treatments often allows lower doses of each and can result in increased effectiveness.
Topical medications for psoriasis are applied directly to the skin and may improve the skin's condition. These may be recommended in people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Examples include:
- Corticosteroids
- Calcipotriene
- Tazarotene
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Coal tar
- Anthralin
- Salicylic acid
- Clobetasol propionate
- Bath solutions and moisturizers.
- Moisturizers.
- Medicines applied to the skin (topical psoriasis treatment)
- Light treatments (see Light Therapy for Psoriasis)
- Psoriasis medication taken by mouth or injection (systemic therapy).
A combination of therapies is often recommended. Combining various topical, light, and systemic treatments often allows lower doses of each and can result in increased effectiveness.
Topical medications for psoriasis are applied directly to the skin and may improve the skin's condition. These may be recommended in people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Examples include:
- Corticosteroids
- Calcipotriene
- Tazarotene
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Coal tar
- Anthralin
- Salicylic acid
- Clobetasol propionate
- Bath solutions and moisturizers.
- Moisturizers.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD