Psoriasis Medication

There are several types of topical psoriasis medication, including corticosteroids, salicylic acid, and anthralin. Doctors often use a trial-and-error approach to find a psoriasis treatment that works, and they may switch treatments periodically if a treatment does not work or if adverse reactions occur. For patients with a more severe form of the disease, doctors may recommend psoriasis medication that is taken by pill or injection.

 

An Introduction to Psoriasis Medication

Psoriasis treatment is based on:
 
  • The severity of the disease
  • Size of the areas involved
  • Type of psoriasis
  • Patient's response to initial psoriasis treatments.
     
This is sometimes called the "1-2-3" approach.
 
  • Step 1 uses psoriasis medication applied to the skin (topical psoriasis treatment)
  • Step 2 uses light treatments (see Light Therapy for Psoriasis)
  • Step 3 involves taking psoriasis medication (by mouth or injection) that treats the whole immune system (called systemic therapy).
     
Over time, affected skin can become resistant to psoriasis treatment, especially when topical corticosteroids are used. Also, a psoriasis treatment that works very well in one person may have little effect in another. Thus, doctors often use a trial-and-error approach to find a psoriasis treatment that works, and they may switch treatments periodically (for example, every 12 to 24 months) if a psoriasis treatment does not work or if adverse reactions occur.
 
Topical Treatment
Topical treatment with psoriasis medication applied directly to the skin may improve the skin's condition. Doctors find that some patients respond well to ointment or cream forms of:
 
  • Corticosteroids
  • Vitamin D3
  • Retinoids
  • Coal tar
  • Anthralin
  • Salicylic acid
  • Clobetasol Propionate
  • Bath solutions
  • Moisturizers.
     
Bath solutions and moisturizers may be soothing, but they are seldom strong enough to improve the condition of the skin. Therefore, they usually are combined with stronger remedies.
(Psoriasis Medication Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD