Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the cells of the skin replicate quickly. The most common type of psoriasis, called plaque psoriasis, appears as red, scaly plaques on the skin. Many medical treatments are available for this disease.
Mild Psoriasis
Topical medications, which are applied onto the skin, are the first choice for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. Over-the-counter products contain salicylic acid or coal tar as the active ingredient.
Moderate Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, corticosteroids, such as betamethasone and dexamethasone, are the most frequently used treatment for moderate psoriasis. Other prescription medications include calcipotriene, anthralin and tazarotene.
Severe Psoriasis
Severe psoriasis requires the use of systemic therapy, which is medication given orally or by injection. The preferred medications include acitretin, tacrolimus, methotrexate, cyclosporine, sulfasalazine and hydroxyurea. Other medications, classified as biologic drugs, include infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab and golimumab.
Goals of Treatment
The goal of treatment of psoriasis is to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing or clearing the plaques and scales on the skin. Partial clearing of skin lesions is acceptable when the patient is not experiencing toxicity and is able to use the medication effectively, explains “Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach.”
Side Effects
The medication side effects vary for each drug, but the most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure and increased blood sugar. Long-term treatment with corticosteroids may cause high blood sugar, round face and fat accumulation in the upper back and stomach. The patient should keep all doctor appointments to receive appropriate monitoring.
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al; 2008
