Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder in which there are red, thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Some cases of psoriasis are so mild that people don't know they have it. Severe psoriasis may cover large areas of the body. Psoriasis may be associated with arthritis. Our treatments include phototherapy, topical and systemic therapy, and biologic agents (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade).

Treatments for Psoriasis

For moderate to severe psoriasis, you may need to use a topical medicine prescribed by your doctor, such as a corticosteroid or a medicine related to vitamin D called calcipotriene. Other topical medicines include anthralin and tars.

 

Creams and ointments may be used together with sunlight or ultraviolet light, such as ultraviolet A (UVA) or B (UVB), to treat moderate psoriasis. This is called phototherapy. Treatment of psoriasis with UVB and medicines spread on the skin, such as tar or calcipotriene, is safe and effective.^{4, 7}

 

Medicines taken by mouth (oral medicines) also may be used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. The most commonly used oral medicines include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and retinoids, which are medicines related to vitamin A. In rare cases, medicine may be injected directly into a psoriasis sore or patch.

 

If you are taking topical or oral medicines for psoriasis, you will need regular follow-up visits with your doctor to check for possible side effects. You may take one medicine for a while, then switch to another to reduce the chance that a serious side effect will occur.

 

Medicines called biologics have shown promise for the treatment of severe psoriasis or psoriasis that has not improved after other treatments. Biologics are similar to or the same as proteins made by the body. These medicines, including alefacept and etanercept, block the harmful response of the body's immune system that causes the symptoms of psoriasis. The long-term safety of biologics is not known.