Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin in which skin cells grow too rapidly. Psoriasis usually manifests as red patches on the skin along with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells referred to as scales. There is no cure for psoriasis. However, many effective therapies have emerged for psoriasis and similar autoimmune conditions. Individuals with psoriasis should consult a physician to learn more about the latest therapies for this condition.
Taclonex
Taclonex is an ointment that is applied to the skin once a day to reduce the symptoms of mild to severe psoriasis. This topical treatment is made up of betamethasone, a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation, and calcipotriene, a molecule related to vitamin D that helps to reduce skin cell disruption. Taclonex has been used to treat psoriasis for many years in Europe and was introduced in the United States in 2006. While Taclonex is relatively well-tolerated, Drugs.com explains that some people may experience adverse skin reactions or even worsening symptoms of psoriasis while using Taclonex.
Enbrel
Enbrel is a biologic drug developed to specifically combat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Drug information provided by Enbrel.com explains that Enbrel acts to block the action of TNF-alpha, a key chemical mediator of inflammatory processes. People with psoriasis make too much TNF-alpha in their skin, which leads to excess cell growth on the skin and in the joints. Enbrel is usually self-administered by injection. The side effects of Enbrel are typically related to the immunosuppressive effects of Enbrel and can lead to increased rates of infection, particularly fungal infections and tuberculosis.
Amevive
During the development of psoriasis, cells of the immune system known as T cells can mistakenly attack cells of the skin. This sets up a vicious cycle of immune reactions and inflammation that progress psoriasis. Amevive blocks the action of T cells, inhibits immune reactions and reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Amevive.com explains that Amevive is administered by injection once a week over a 12-week treatment period. Since Amevive reduces the action of T cells, patients may be more susceptible to infections or certain cancers. Some users have also experienced severe liver injury in response to Amevive.
Phototherapy
Light therapy, or phototherapy, offers a treatment for psoriasis without the use of drugs. The most common type of phototherapy involves exposing the skin to UVB, or ultraviolet B light. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, UVB light slows the growth of skin cells that cause psoriasis and reduces symptoms of psoriasis. UVB treatments should be done under proper medical supervision and with approved medical devices specifically designed for phototherapy. Tanning beds emit mostly UVA light and are not considered an effective option for psoriasis treatment. Some UVB treatments take advantage of special lasers such as excimer lasers or pulsed dye lasers, both of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for psoriasis treatment.
