Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease involving cells that build up too fast on the skin surface, forming dry, itchy scales and red patches. There is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are multiple treatments available. A doctor will determine which treatments are best based on the severity of the psoriasis, and will consider the side effects of the medications and treatments.
Topical Corticosteroids
According to 2009 psoriasis guidelines published by the American Academy of Dermatology, about 80 percemt of patients with psoriasis have mild to moderate cases, and most of these patients can be treated with topical agents. Topical corticosteroids or steroids are the first line of treatment for many psoriasis sufferers. The potency of steroids prescribed will vary depending on the severity and location of the psoriasis. For example, clobetasol propionate, a class-1 super-potent steroid, is approximately 600 times more potent than over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone. Skin side effects of concern with all topical steroids are thinning of the skin, or skin atrophy; skin irritation or infection; and easy bruising and tearing of the skin, notes the DermNet NZ website. Topical steroids, on rare occassion, could be absorbed through the circulatory system, causing Cushing's syndrome, which is a hormone disorder, and bone and eye problems, as stated in the guidelines.
Vitamin D
Calcipotriol, a synthetic form of vitamin D, may be prescribed for the management of psoriasis. It comes as a cream, an ointment or a scalp preparation. According to the DermNet NZ website, it is about 80 percent effective in patients. Usually this medication is well tolerated, but it may cause some mild side effects, which include a dry, itchy rash known as dermatitis, peeling, irritated red skin around the treated area, burning and puffiness in the area, notes DermNet NZ and the American Academy of Dermatology. Internal side effects are very rare. There has been some reporting of sun sensitivity due to thinning of the skin, notes Alan Mentor, M.D., contributing author from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Birth Defects
The National Psoriasis Foundation cautions women with psoriasis about medication considerations before conception, during pregnancy and while nursing their babies. Of particular interest are acitretin, tazarotene and methotrexate, all which should be avoided because they are thought to play a role in birth defects, according to the foundation. Acitretin and tazarotene are retinoids, derived from vitamin A, and methotrexate, an antifolate drug, inhibits the metabolism of folic acid. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, many doctors recommend that women avoid using psoriasis treatments if possible during their pregnancies. However, some topicals and ultraviolet light treatments may be acceptable. It is important to discuss plans to conceive with the doctor so harmful medications can be avoided.
Phototherapy
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ultraviolet-B, or UVB, radiation has been used well over 75 years for psoriasis treatment. This therapy has been successfully used with adults and children. Solar UVB is responsible for most of the sunburn you receive. Despite its effectiveness, there are side effects that include burning, redness, itching and stinging, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Eyes must be protected to avoid UVB-related cataract development. Targeted phototherapy may be used in the form of laser treatment, and side effects are limited to the treated areas. Besides the side effects already listed, blisters and hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin may occur, notes the American Academy of Dermatology.
