A skin disease, psoriasis attacks the immune system and stimulates a rapid proliferation of skin cells. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 6 million Americans suffer from this disease with its symptoms of pain, itching and scaling skin. Prescription medication selection is dependent upon the location, severity and discomfort of the disease.
Antipsoriatic Creams
These creams are the least invasive of all prescription medications for psoriasis. Included in this group are topical preparations intended to treat mild cases of psoriasis. Tazorac and Avage are forms of retinoid creams that work by chemically exfoliating the excess skin and scales. Vectical is a topical vitamin D preparation that has effects similar to retinoid creams.
Topical Steroid Preparations
Topical steroid medications such as Elecon, Clobex, and Desonide are available in creams, sprays and ointments. These medications treat mild to moderate cases of psoriasis by suppressing inflammation and redness of the affected areas. According to Health and Human Services, these preparations should be used sparingly to avoid systemic absorption. If you are diabetic, discuss these medications with your doctor, as steroids will increase your blood sugar.
Oral Steroids
Oral steroids, or those in pill and liquid form, can be safely used in conjunction with other psoriasis medications, for days or weeks at a time, to calm down severely inflamed and painful skin. Oral steroids work faster than topical steroid creams, but carry the risk of more side effects due to their immunosuppressive effects.
Immunosuppressants
These drugs work systemically to inhibit your natural immune response. By suppressing this response, the drugs stop the overproduction of skin and plaque formation. However, when the immune system is suppressed, the patient becomes more susceptible to viruses and infections. Amevive and Remicade are administered intravenously or by injection for severe cases. The pill forms include Enbrel and Stelara, used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis unresponsive to lesser prescriptions.
Systemic Biologic Medications
According to the Psoriasis Foundation, systemic biologic medications are used to treat severe forms of psoriasis unresponsive to other forms of treatment. Methotrexate, a former cancer drug, is being used successfully to suppress new cell and skin growth in psoriasis. This medication can adversely affect the liver, so frequent blood and liver testing are required during treatment.
