Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder that causes rapid cell reproduction. Its appearance varies from small flattened bumps and red patches to large areas of pink or red thickened and raised dry skin. Most cases go through cycles of skin eruptions alternating with remission. Psoriasis has no cure but treatments include oral medications, light therapy and topical ointments.
Topical Corticosteriods
Corticosteroid creams have anti-inflammatory properties and are most frequently prescribed to treat mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. Psoriasis results from a malfunction in the immune system. A type of white blood cell called T lymphocyte normally acts to detect and attack foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. With psoriasis, T lymphocytes mistake healthy cells as a threat. The resulting immune response leads to the overproduction of healthy cells, T lymphocytes and white blood cells and the characteristic skin symptoms of psoriasis. The staff of the Mayo Clinic explain that corticosteroid ointments suppress the immune system, slow the overproduction of cells, reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
Corticosteroid creams of low strength are often prescribed to treat sensitive areas like the face and large areas of irritated skin. A stronger strength ointment is used to treat small areas, areas of persistent psoriasis on the hands and feet or when other treatments have failed. To achieve maximum effectiveness, corticosteriod ointments are used during episodes of active outbreaks and continued until symptoms are controlled
Anthralin
Anthralin functions as an immunosuppressant of T lymphocytes. According to the Mayo Clinic website, anthralin normalizes DNA activity in skin cells, removes the scales associated with psoriasis and makes the skin feel smooth. It stains any surface that it contacts, such as the shower or bath, fabric, hair and nails. For this reason, anthralin is applied to the affected area, allowed contact for a short time and then rinsed off.
Calcipotriene
Calcipotriene is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D and functions to slow down the growth and development of skin cells. It is prescribed to treat psoriasis with scaly patches. It should only be applied to affected skin areas and never to skin irritated by sunburn or windburn. The effect of calcipotriene on an unborn child is not yet known, notes the Mayo Clinic website. A woman with psoriasis needs to inform her physician if she is pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using this topical treatment.
Tazarotene
Tazarotene is a topical ointment that is a vitamin A derivative formulated especially for the treatment of psoriasis. It is prescribed to treat the scaly patches and renews the appearance and texture of the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic website, increased sensitivity to light is a side effect. Tazarotene is known to cause birth defects in an unborn child, notes the website. It is important for a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant to talk to her physician before using tazarotene.
Salicylic Acid and Coal Tar
The National Psoriasis Foundation lists over-the-counter topical ointments that contain salicylic acid and coal tar as treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for psoriasis. Salicylic acid reduces scaling by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. Coal tar, which is a byproduct of the manufacturing process of petroleum products and coal, is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis. Though it has a strong odor and is messy to use, coal tar reduces scaling, inflammation and itching.
