Psoriasis is a skin disease whose symptoms include thick areas of skin that are red and have silvery scales. This disease has no cure, however, its symptoms can be reduced with drugs. Certain medications do not affect psoriasis positively.
Significance
Though psoriasis has no cure, there are times when it clears up and goes away, only to return at a later time. Some medications have the effect of making psoriasis occur in a person for the first time or of making it come back in people who are in remission.
Types
According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as beta blockers used to treat hypertension; lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder; and anti-malarial drugs are all psoriasis triggers. Indomethacin, used to treat arthritis, and excessive use of corticosteroids can make psoriasis worse.
Prevention/Solution
Episodes of psoriasis may be prevented by avoiding medications that can cause them in the first place. The Skin Care Physicians website provided by the American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that psoriasis patients or those with a family history of psoriasis should tell physicians who prescribe drugs that can induce psoriasis about their condition. This way, other medications may be prescribed instead.
