Psoriasis Treatment

These drugs reduce inflammation and the turnover of skin cells, and they suppress the immune system. Available in different strengths, topical corticosteroids, such as cortisone, are usually applied to the skin twice a day. These medicines may be called steroids for short. They are available in creams or ointments and in a variety of strengths.

 

Using corticosteroids for short-term psoriasis treatment is often effective in improving, but not completely eliminating, psoriasis. Long-term use or overuse of very strong corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin, internal side effects, and resistance to the treatment's benefits.

 

If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some healthcare providers will prescribe a high-potency corticosteroid ointment. High-potency corticosteroids may also be prescribed for plaques that don't improve with other treatment, particularly those on the hands or feet.

 

In situations where the objective of psoriasis treatment is to achieve comfort, medium-potency corticosteroids may be prescribed for the broader skin areas of the torso or limbs. Low-potency preparations are used on delicate skin areas.

 

This medicine is a synthetic form of vitamin D3 that can be applied to the skin. Applying calcipotriene ointment (Dovonex^®) twice a day controls the speed of turnover of skin cells.

 

Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for use on the face or genitals. It is sometimes combined with topical corticosteroids to reduce irritation. Use of more than 100 grams of calcipotriene per week may raise the amount of calcium in the body to unhealthy levels.